Paris: In a controversial announcement following his re-election, American President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to take control of the Gaza Strip, evacuate its inhabitants, and transform it into the “Côte d’Azur of the Middle East.” This statement has drawn immediate and severe criticism from various international quarters, with France being among the first to respond.
French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in a critical discussion with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi, on Wednesday evening. The Élysée released a statement highlighting the leaders’ warning that any “forced displacement of the Palestinian population in Gaza and the West Bank would be unacceptable.”
They emphasized that such actions would constitute a grave violation of international law, hinder the two-state solution, and pose a significant destabilizing threat to Egypt, Jordan, and the broader region.
The French Foreign Ministry echoed these sentiments, reiterating its vision for Gaza’s future as part of a Palestinian state governed by a Palestinian authority. Sophie Primas, the spokesperson for the French government, expressed strong opposition to Trump’s remarks during the Council of Ministers meeting, stating that his statements are “dangerous for stability and for the peace process.”
Prior to official government statements, left-wing politicians in France were quick to voice their outrage. Manuel Bompard, coordinator of the La France Insoumise party, condemned Trump’s remarks as “unacceptable” on social network X, urging France to not only denounce but also “officially recognize the State of Palestine.”
Mathilde Panot of the same party labeled Trump’s proposal as “nothing less than committing a crime against humanity.” Chloé Ridel, Member of the European Parliament, called for widespread indifference to Trump’s “supremacist statements,” suggesting that such a response would be his greatest fear.
The French government has reaffirmed its commitment to its longstanding policy of no population displacement, advocating for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate a peace process, and ultimately supporting a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
Agnès Levallois, vice-president of the French think tank, the Mediterranean Middle East Research and Studies Institute, suggested that Trump’s speech reflects his interest in business diplomacy. The European Union, like most others of the international community, remains steadfast in its opposition to any plans that could lead to the forced displacement of Palestinians. The EU unanimously pursues its advocacy for a two state solution.
