Macron Pledges Accelerated Gaza Aid After Ceasefire, Plans Reconstruction

French President Emmanuel Macron has committed to intensifying France's humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip, following a peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Macron, addressing reporters after the meeting, pointed to the ongoing ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages as a foundation for these accelerated efforts, which are set to begin imminently.

Macron emphasized that France would work in coordination with both the United States and Israel to facilitate the continuous and unhindered flow of crucial aid into Gaza. He announced the planning of an international humanitarian aid conference for Gaza, scheduled for the coming weeks, as a key component of the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement.

The French leader detailed that the second phase of the plan would focus on mobilizing financial resources for the "stabilization and reconstruction" of the war-torn territory. He also addressed the complex issue of Gaza's administration, noting a UN Security Council consensus to work towards a resolution involving the Palestinian Authority, with technical work on disarmament soon to follow.

This diplomatic movement follows the U.S.-announced ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which led to the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The conflict, which escalated in October 2023, has resulted in a devastating loss of life and widespread destruction in Gaza, underlining the urgent need for the humanitarian and reconstruction efforts now being discussed.