French President Emmanuel Macron is to host the head of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas in Paris on Tuesday to discuss the future of Gaza after the US-brokered agreement that implemented a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The two leaders “will address the next steps of the peace plan, notably in the areas of security, governance and reconstruction,” the French presidency said in a statement.
The statement refers to Abbas as the “President of the State of Palestine”, as France officially recognised the Palestinian state in September during the United Nations General Assembly.
“This meeting is the continuation of France’s recognition of the State of Palestine and the work on implementing a peace and security plan for all in the Middle East,” the presidency said.
The meeting comes a month after US President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which has since been tested by Israeli strikes in Gaza and allegations of Palestinian attacks on Israeli soldiers.
The Palestinian Authority is reportedly being considered for a potential role in the future governance of Gaza.
During his talks with Abbas, Macron is expected to reiterate the need to reform the Palestinian Authority, “an essential condition for the lasting return of stability and the emergence of a viable, democratic and sovereign Palestinian state, living in peace and security alongside Israel,” the French presidency said.
Macron is also expected to discuss the importance of maintaining humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
Trump said on Thursday that an international stabilisation force tasked with monitoring the ceasefire would be deployed in Gaza “very soon”.
As part of its participation in the force, France has sent three officers to join a structure set up by the US in Israel to participate in an “observational capacity” and be “on standby” for any future needs.
France also sent a team of civilian personnel on Monday, including two diplomats, who will be joined during the week by a general of the gendarmerie.
(with newswires)
