Egypt & France Urge Gaza Peace for Palestinian Statehood

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed Friday that ongoing peace efforts regarding Gaza must ultimately lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Independent Palestinian State Discussed

During a phone conversation, the two leaders concurred that current efforts should be followed by a comprehensive political process resulting in an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the Egyptian presidency.

Sisi emphasized the importance of solidifying the ceasefire in Gaza and moving forward with the second phase of the peace plan. He also stressed the need to increase humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and begin early recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The discussion also covered developments in the West Bank, where Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s rejection of Israeli violations. He highlighted the need to support the Palestinian people, increase international pressure to halt these violations, and support the Palestinian Authority.

Macron expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s role in promoting regional stability, particularly in solidifying the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Several Western countries, including France and Britain, previously moved to formally recognize the state of Palestine during the height of the Israeli military operation in Gaza earlier this year.

Israel’s current government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state, citing concerns about Israel’s existence.