Macron in Egypt: A High-Stakes Visit Focused on Gaza

Emmanuel Macron begins a two-day diplomatic visit to Egypt this Monday, amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and escalating tensions following the resumption of Israeli military operations. Accompanied by several ministers, business leaders, and NGO representatives, the French President aims to deliver both a political and humanitarian message in response to the region’s deepening turmoil.

Diplomatic Support and a Push for Ceasefire

Upon arriving in Cairo Sunday evening, Emmanuel Macron met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, with a more formal meeting scheduled for Monday morning. A trilateral summit is also planned with King Abdullah II of Jordan, aiming to reinforce an Arab-led initiative for Gaza’s reconstruction and to push once again for an immediate ceasefire. The Élysée stresses: there is an “urgent need” to lift civilians out of “the humanitarian catastrophe” they are enduring.

The visit comes as France firmly opposes a controversial proposal by Donald Trump to place Gaza under U.S. control—a plan rejected by both Egypt and Jordan. Emmanuel Macron, who will co-chair an international conference in two months alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, supports a regional solution that sidelines Hamas and promotes the return of the Palestinian Authority.

Humanitarian Focus: France Calls for Reopening Access to Gaza

On Tuesday, Macron will travel to al-Arish, roughly 50 kilometers from Gaza, a key hub for the delivery of humanitarian aid. Since Israel imposed a full blockade in early March, the situation has become dire: shortages of flour and gas, closed bakeries, and halted medical services. The French President will meet with NGOs, UN agencies, and the Red Crescent, and may speak with Palestinian aid recipients.

He will reiterate France’s commitment to maintaining and increasing humanitarian assistance and will call for the urgent reopening of crossings, particularly at Rafah, where French gendarmes are deployed as part of the EU’s EUBAM mission.

Strengthening Franco-Egyptian Strategic Ties

Beyond the Gaza crisis, the visit also aims to deepen bilateral relations. “We seek to elevate our relationship to a strategic partnership,” stated the Élysée. Several agreements are expected in sectors such as transport, healthcare, renewable energy, and academic cooperation. Alstom’s CEO has already met with the Egyptian President to discuss the Cairo metro project and the construction of an industrial complex near Alexandria.

A MEDEF delegation is also part of the trip, as nearly 180 French subsidiaries operate in Egypt, employing over 50,000 people. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to discuss the situation in the Red Sea with his Egyptian counterpart.