French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced strong opposition to US President Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation of Gaza’s residents, stressing the importance of respecting Palestinians’ rights to remain in their homeland. In an interview with CNN, Macron condemned the idea of forcibly relocating 2 million people, calling it a “political operation” that disregards the dignity and rights of the Palestinian population.
Macron emphasized that any solution for Gaza must consider the wishes of its residents to stay in their homeland, stating, “You cannot say to 2 million people, ‘okay, now guess what? You will move’.” He also pointed out the refusal of neighbouring countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, to accept large numbers of Palestinian refugees, further complicating the logistics and ethical considerations of such a plan.
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The French president’s remarks follow a press conference where Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced the controversial proposal to relocate Gaza’s population to neighbouring nations. This plan has sparked significant backlash from Palestinians, Arab nations, and much of the international community, though it has gained support from certain factions within Israel.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, with over 48,200 Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023, Macron reiterated France’s stance on the issue. In October 2024, France suspended arms exports to Israel in response to the escalating war, and Macron continues to express disagreement with Israel’s extensive military operations in Gaza, urging a more balanced and peaceful solution.
