“You cannot say to 2 million people, ‘Okay, now guess what? You will move,’ ” Macron said. “The right answer is not a real estate operation. This is a political operation.”
Macron’s Position on Gaza
While President Emmanuel Macron has maintained France’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself, especially following the October 7 attacks, he has also expressed strong criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. In October 2024, France took a significant step by suspending arms exports to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and encouraged other nations to do the same.
“I have always reiterated my disagreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” Macron stated. “I don’t believe that such a massive operation targeting civilians is the right solution.”
The Humanitarian Challenge
Macron emphasized that any effective solution to rebuild Gaza must respect the dignity of Palestinians and regional sovereignty. He highlighted that Gazans do not want to be relocated, and neighboring countries, including Jordan and Egypt, are also unwilling to host them.
Trump’s Proposal: Criticism and Reactions
Donald Trump proposed relocating Gazans to other countries, with the US purchasing the land and distributing it among Middle Eastern states to facilitate Gaza’s reconstruction. During a flight to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Trump described Gaza as “a demolition site” while asserting the intention to turn it into a site for future development and ensure the protection of Palestinians against further violence.
However, Trump’s proposal faced significant criticism. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pointed out that “Palestinians must be allowed home and allowed to rebuild, and we should be with them in that rebuild on the way to a two-state solution.”
Saudi Arabia’s Stand
Saudi Arabia firmly rejected any attempts to relocate Palestinians from their land. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made it clear that the kingdom’s position was unequivocal and did not allow for any misinterpretation.
International Consensus: A Two-State Solution
Abdelatty separately held discussions with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to focus on advancing recovery projects in Gaza without necessitating the departure of its inhabitants.
Russia’s Perspective
Russia advocates for a resolution to the Middle East conflict based on a two-state solution, as enshrined in relevant UN Security Council resolutions. This position is supported by a majority of countries involved in the issue.
“This is the thesis we proceed from, support, and believe is the only possible option,” Russia stated.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The Gaza crisis presents complex challenges requiring political will and a deep respect for international law and human rights. The positions of world leaders—ranging from criticism of military operations to advocating for a two-state solution—reflect the multifaceted nature of the conflict.
As discussions continue, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of all those affected. The international community must work together towards sustainable and just solutions that respect the dignity and human rights of Palestinians and Israelis alike.
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