French President Emmanuel Macron, during a joint press conference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on Monday, strongly condemned the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and Israel's annexation of the occupied West Bank.

He also called for an immediate end to Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and urged the restoration of the ceasefire that has been in place since January 19.  

Macron commended President el-Sisi's efforts to promote regional peace and highlighted the shared commitment of France and Egypt to stability and maritime navigation freedom. He also emphasized their joint diplomatic efforts regarding the Iranian nuclear crisis. Furthermore, Macron reiterated France's support for a unified, stable, and sovereign Syria, free from foreign interference, and stressed the importance of Lebanese sovereignty and the implementation of the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire.

President el-Sisi echoed Macron's sentiments, stating that both leaders agreed to oppose the displacement of Palestinians and discussed the Arab plan for Gaza's reconstruction. He emphasized the necessity of an immediate return to the ceasefire and stressed that regional stability hinges on resolving the Palestinian issue and ending the Israeli occupation of Syrian territory.  

The two presidents held a bilateral summit focusing on the Palestinian cause and the situation in Gaza, during which several agreements were signed. Following this, a tripartite summit involving Macron, el-Sisi, and Jordanian King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein was scheduled to discuss regional developments, particularly the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.  

Macron's visit also includes a trip to al-Arish, near the Gaza Strip, where he will meet with humanitarian and security organization representatives. The Elysée Palace stated that the visit aims to highlight the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange. Macron will also engage with French and UN NGOs, the Egyptian Red Crescent, and potentially, Palestinians in the region, as well as communicate with the EU border mission at the Rafah crossing.  

During discussions at the Al-Ittihadiya Palace, Macron and el-Sisi addressed the Arab plan for Gaza's reconstruction, with France expressing support while noting the need for stronger security and governance within the Gaza Strip. Macron's visit underscores the international concern over the escalating tensions in the region and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. (ILKHA)