Emmanuel Macron Firmly Opposes Donald Trump’s Project for Gaza

In an interview with CNN on February 11, French President Emmanuel Macron strongly reacted to the controversial proposal of his American counterpart, Donald Trump, aimed at transforming the Gaza Strip into the “French Riviera of the Middle East” by relocating its population. Macron condemned this idea, emphasizing that “Gaza is not an empty territory, but a land where two million people live and have the right to decide their future. You can’t just tell them: ‘You’re going to move.'”

A Primarily Political Response

For the French head of state, the appropriate response to the current crisis must be above all “political” and not a “real estate operation.” He called for respect for “the will of the Palestinian people to have a state” as well as the sovereignty of neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan, which Trump has pressured to host the Gazan population.

Humanitarian Emergency at the Heart of Concerns

Macron also stressed the humanitarian emergency: “The priority is to save civilians. We must preserve the ceasefire, restore humanitarian operations, and protect as many lives as possible.”

Regarding the Israeli military offensive launched after the October 7, 2023 attacks, Macron expressed his disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I do not believe that a massive military operation, sometimes targeting civilians, is the right response,” he stated, while reiterating his commitment to Israel’s right to live in peace and security.

A Highly Controversial American Project

Donald Trump, for his part, defended his project by declaring his intention to “take control of the Gaza Strip,” dismantle damaged infrastructure, and turn it into a prosperous area. He claimed that his idea had received a favorable reception from certain countries in the region, without specifying which ones. This proposal has sparked a wave of international outrage, with the UN even warning of the risk of “ethnic cleansing.”

In the face of this tense situation, France continues to advocate for a solution that respects the rights of Palestinians and regional stability.