France and Egypt to Co-Host International Conference on Gaza Reconstruction; Paris Proposes UN-Mandated Stabilization Force
Paris, The Gulf Observer: France will co-host an international conference on the reconstruction of Gaza with Egypt and collaborate with global partners to establish a stabilization force under a United Nations mandate, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday.
Addressing the National Assembly, Barrot described last week’s ceasefire between Hamas and Israel as “an important step,” while warning that “it remains fragile.” “It is not yet peace,” he stressed, underscoring the need for sustained diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to achieve lasting stability in the region.
The foreign minister highlighted that the recent meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh — attended by President Emmanuel Macron — played a crucial role in fostering coordination between European and Arab nations “that want to play their full part in this construction for a lasting peace in the region.”
Outlining France’s three main priorities, Barrot said the foremost objective is humanitarian aid and reconstruction. “We must flood the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid. We must begin the reconstruction work now,” he declared, announcing that France and Egypt will jointly organize a high-level international conference dedicated to rebuilding Gaza.
The second priority, Barrot continued, is ensuring security and protecting civilians. “We must ensure security, and in particular the security of Gazans. This is why France, with the United Kingdom, will present, in conjunction with the United States, a resolution to the United Nations Security Council to mandate an international stabilization force that will be able to operate very soon in Gaza,” he said.
As the third pillar, Barrot emphasized the importance of governance in Gaza, affirming that “we want the Palestinians to be able to find their full place, and in particular a reformed Palestinian Authority.”
The French initiative underscores Paris’s intent to play a central role in the post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts in Gaza, in close coordination with regional and international partners.
