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Macron Urges Respect for Palestinians in Gaza, Rejects Israeli Settlement Expansion

French President Emmanuel Macron calls for "respect" for Palestinians and Arab neighbors amid Trump's Gaza proposal.

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rench President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stern rebuke to Donald Trump's Gaza proposal, emphasizing the need for respect towards Palestinians and their Arab neighbors. In an exclusive interview with CNN at the Elysee Palace, Macron dismissed the idea of mass displacement as "unacceptable."

    "You can't tell 2 million people to pack up and leave," Macron said, his tone firm but measured. "The right response isn't a real estate deal; it's a political solution." France has been vocal in its support for Israel's right to self-defense, yet Macron has consistently criticized Israeli policies and actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

    Macron's government suspended arms exports to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) last October, urging other nations to follow suit. He reiterated his disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that a massive operation targeting civilians is not an effective solution.

    The French President highlighted the importance of respecting Palestinian wishes to remain in their homeland and the unwillingness of Jordan and Egypt to accept large numbers of Gazan refugees. Trump's proposal, which involves relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries, has sparked widespread criticism from the international community.

    Macron's stance aligns with that of other European leaders, who have condemned Trump's plan as unacceptable. German President Walter Steinmeier called it "unacceptable," while Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said Gazans' land is their own. In contrast, Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders endorsed the plan, suggesting Palestinians move to Jordan.

    The international community has been vocal in its opposition, with the United Nations warning against "ethnic cleansing." Macron's government has been clear in its rejection of Trump's proposal, describing it as a destabilizing factor in the Middle East. As the global response continues to unfold, Macron's words serve as a reminder that respect for Palestinian rights and self-determination is essential in finding a lasting solution to the Gaza crisis.

French President Macron meets Palestinians in Gaza, rejects Israeli settlement expansion plans.