French President Emmanuel Macron will host Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas in Paris on Tuesday to discuss Gaza’s future, following the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which ended weeks of intense fighting.
The French presidency said both leaders will discuss “the next steps of the peace plan, notably in the areas of security, governance, and reconstruction.” The statement referred to Abbas as the “President of the State of Palestine,” reflecting France’s official recognition of Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September.
“This meeting continues France’s recognition of the State of Palestine and supports efforts to implement a peace and security plan for all in the Middle East,” the statement added.
Europe and Arab Nations Explore Transition Plans
The Paris meeting comes a month after US President Donald Trump brokered the ceasefire, which remains fragile amid renewed Israeli strikes and reported Palestinian attacks. European and Arab partners are now exploring ideas for Gaza’s transition, including the possible involvement of the Palestinian Authority in future governance.
During his discussions with Abbas, Macron is expected to stress the importance of reforming the Palestinian Authority. The French presidency described reform as “an essential condition for lasting stability and the emergence of a viable, democratic, and sovereign Palestinian state, living peacefully alongside Israel.”
France Joins International Stabilisation Efforts
Macron will also highlight the need to maintain humanitarian access to Gaza, ensuring aid reaches civilians in need. Trump announced last week that an international stabilisation force would deploy in Gaza “very soon” to monitor the ceasefire.
France has already sent three officers to join a US-led structure in Israel to assist in an “observational capacity.” Additionally, a team of civilian experts, including two diplomats, arrived in the region on Monday. A senior gendarmerie general will join them later this week to coordinate France’s contribution to future peace efforts.
