French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized Israel’s renewed bombardment of Gaza, calling it a major setback to peace efforts, as he met with Jordan’s King Abdullah in Paris.
“The resumption of Israeli strikes yesterday, despite mediation efforts, represents a dramatic step backward,” Macron said ahead of their discussions. “For the people of Gaza, it means a return to the terror of bombardments, and for the hostages and their families, it deepens the nightmare of uncertainty.”
A fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, which had held since January, collapsed this week, leading to airstrikes that killed more than 400 people. On Wednesday alone, another 13 were reported dead.
King Abdullah urged European nations to take a stronger role in securing peace. “Europe has a major role to play in reaching a peaceful solution,” he emphasized, calling the renewed Israeli attacks an “extremely dangerous step.”
Negotiations involving the US, Arab partners, and Israel have faltered over the next steps of a ceasefire. While Hamas has expressed willingness to restart discussions, it has rejected attempts to alter the original terms agreed upon in January.
“The international community must act immediately to restore the ceasefire and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza,” King Abdullah stressed. “Cutting off food, water, and electricity to a vulnerable population is an escalation that risks countless lives.”
Macron warned that regional instability is growing, particularly in Lebanon and Syria. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to security cooperation with Jordan and backed an Arab peace plan proposed in Cairo on March 4. The initiative calls for a $53 billion reconstruction effort in Gaza, while excluding Hamas from governance.
“The seeds of a new security framework exist—one that integrates Israel into the region while ensuring stability for all,” Macron said. “The key is whether we can work together and stay committed.”
European Union leaders will discuss the plan with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at a meeting in Brussels.
The leaders also addressed concerns over Syria, where worsening security and a growing drug trade threaten stability. Jordan has faced cross-border incidents linked to these issues. Last month, Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara visited Amman to discuss joint security measures.
“Syria is no longer under the same Iranian influence as before,” Macron noted, suggesting a shift in regional power dynamics. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is expected to visit France soon for further discussions on Middle East security.