Macron and El-Sisi deepen strategic ties, call for strengthened Palestinian Authority in Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on Sunday and Monday to strengthen bilateral ties and address the conflict in Gaza.

During a joint press conference on Monday, Macron announced new strategic agreements in transportation, health, and education. France committed $284 million in loans and grants to Egypt via its overseas development agency, according to Reuters.

Macron endorsed Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction initiative, backed by the Arab League, emphasizing that Hamas should not play any role in the rebuilding process. Instead, he expressed support for the Palestinian Authority to take charge of governance after the conflict, the AFP reports.

Following a tripartite summit with King Abdullah II of Jordan and President el-Sisi, the leaders issued a joint statement:“Governance, law and order, and security in Gaza, as well as in all Palestinian territories, must be the sole responsibility of a strengthened Palestinian Authority,” they declared, also urging an “immediate return” to a ceasefire in Gaza.

Macron also condemned any forced displacement of Palestinians or territorial annexation:“We are firmly opposed to the displacement of populations and to any annexation of both Gaza and the West Bank,” he said, warning that such actions would breach international law and pose a serious security risk to the entire region, including Israel.

Macron is expected to visit the Egyptian port city of El-Arish near Gaza on Tuesday to highlight the region’s escalating humanitarian crisis.