Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the urgent deployment of a United Nations-led peacekeeping force in Gaza, aimed at stabilizing the war-ravaged territory, protecting civilians, and overseeing the disarmament of Hamas. His remarks come amid growing international outrage over Israel’s military campaign and its stated intentions to expand its control over Gaza City.
In a statement released Monday, Macron warned that Israel’s decision to widen its offensive marks a “reckless descent into a permanent war” and described the situation as an “unprecedented catastrophe.” He emphasized that both Israeli hostages and Gaza’s civilian population will remain the principal victims of such a strategy.
“This war must end now through a permanent ceasefire,” Macron declared. “A credible path out of this conflict requires the establishment of a peacekeeping mission. France is ready to support this through the United Nations Security Council.”
Macron’s proposal aligns with a previously signed document by 17 countries, the European Union, and the Arab League in July, which called for the formation of a temporary international mission pending a request by the Palestinian Authority. The proposed force would not only protect civilians but also oversee any eventual peace agreement and ensure a gradual transfer of security responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority.
According to diplomats familiar with the plan, several signatory countries have already expressed willingness to contribute troops, under the condition that the mission receives international legal authorization and coordination from the United Nations.
A European Consensus Emerging
France is not alone in pushing for de-escalation and greater international involvement. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also weighed in on Monday, stating bluntly: “This war must stop.” Schoof stressed the need for journalists to be able to operate safely in Gaza, echoing widespread concerns after Israeli airstrikes killed multiple journalists including several Al Jazeera correspondents over the weekend.
“There must be space for the press to work without interference or fear for their lives,” Schoof added, in remarks that reflect a broader unease in European capitals over attacks on media personnel in Gaza.
Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon was more direct in her condemnation. Referring to the recent deaths of journalists in Gaza, she wrote on social media: “These killings are unacceptable and shameful. Attacking journalists is an assault on press freedom an attack on the truth itself.”
Rising Diplomatic Stakes
Macron’s call for a peacekeeping force adds to the mounting diplomatic pressure on Israel, whose conduct in Gaza has drawn fierce criticism not only from international rights groups but also from traditional Western allies. While the United States has continued to provide military support, European frustration with the war’s humanitarian toll and its apparent strategic stalemate is intensifying.
Analysts suggest that Macron’s initiative though unlikely to be implemented without broader Security Council consensus could pave the way for future negotiations, particularly if the Palestinian Authority signals its support. However, the proposal also places renewed scrutiny on the viability of a two-state solution and the broader question of governance in post-war Gaza.
With the death toll in Gaza rising and international calls for accountability growing louder, the question is no longer whether the war should end but how, and under whose authority the next phase begins.
As one senior European diplomat put it: “The time for statements has passed. We now need enforcement, protection, and a real pathway out of endless war.”
