Macron to visit Egyptian port near Gaza to signal support for ceasefire

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the Egyptian city of Arish next Tuesday, his office announced according to AFP. The visit aims to underscore his push for a ceasefire in Gaza. Arish, 50 km from Gaza, serves as a key transit point for aid, which has been blocked due to Israel’s military operations. Macron will arrive in Egypt Monday.

During his visit, Macron will meet humanitarian and security workers to highlight France’s diplomatic efforts. On Monday, he will hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whose country has been a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict since the October 7, 2023, attacks. 

Macron seeks to secure a ceasefire, end Israeli strikes, and facilitate hostage releases. A draft agreement on medical treatment for wounded Palestinians is expected to be signed during his visit.