Jacques Serais, edited by Alexandre Bozio // photo credit: PALESTINIAN PRESIDENCY / HANDOUT / ANADOLU / ANADOLU VIA AFP
Emmanuel Macron returned Wednesday evening from two days in the Middle East during which he met various actors in the Israel-Hamas conflict. During this visit, he notably rejected the idea of ”double standards” between Israelis and Palestinians, pleading for a relaunch of the “peace process”.
Just before returning from his tour of the Middle East marked by a visit of support to Israel and a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Emmanuel Macron assured that a massive intervention on the part of Israel would be a mistake. During the night from Wednesday to Thursday, the Israeli army nevertheless carried out “targeted operations” with tanks in the north of the Gaza Strip. What assessment can we therefore draw up after this two-day diplomatic marathon by the French head of state?
Two important announcements
First of all, the dispatch of the Tonnerre amphibious helicopter port. This hospital ship will aim to participate in relief operations for the Palestinian civilian populations. The challenge is also to send a diplomatic signal to show that it is not just the Americans off Israel. Thunder could also be useful in the event of the release of hostages still held captive.
Emmanuel Macron also tried to make an impression with his proposal for an international coalition against Hamas, but at this stage, this idea is far from being completed. Indeed, neither the king of Jordan nor the Egyptian president mentioned it.
Domestic political issues
During this trip, Emmanuel Macron never ceased to show a position of balance. Interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, then one-on-one meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Solidarity with Israel, but in favor of humanitarian aid for Gaza. This diplomatic ridgeline was intended in particular to avoid the escalation of the conflict there, but also to prevent its importation into France, while the French Muslims are particularly concerned by the situation in Palestine.