Emmanuel Macron received, Monday, May 17 during a bilateral meeting, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in order to "support the ongoing Egyptian mediation" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, on the sidelines of an international aid conference in Sudan.

The two heads of state together underlined "the absolute need to put an end to hostilities" in the Middle East, "shared their deep concern at the escalation of ongoing violence and deplored the numerous civilian victims".

The French president "renewed his support for Egyptian mediation" and the two men agreed "to continue to coordinate to promote a rapid ceasefire and prevent the conflict from spreading," added the Elysee. .

Mediation in several countries

The current mediation includes Egypt, Jordan and Germany, with the support of France, government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Monday morning on RTL.

According to diplomatic sources, the UN began on Monday, with the help of Qatar and Egypt, a mediation to obtain a de-escalation.

"There is a diplomatic offensive in recent days, which will continue in the next few hours. We support the idea of ​​Egyptian mediation because both Egyptians and Jordanians are talking to everyone in the region," said Gabriel. Attal.

"Our objectives are first of all the ceasefire as quickly as possible and then the ability to find a lasting stabilization solution for the region. This is what we will be working on, in particular with the Egyptians, the Jordanians, the Germans, "added Gabriel Attal.

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, recalled for his part that "the response to these unacceptable attacks must remain proportionate, within the framework of international law", indicated the Quai d'Orsay.

The head of French diplomacy also declared that "the safety of journalists and all those whose expression contributes to free information and public debate, as well as their protection in times of conflict, is an essential responsibility", after l Israeli attack that destroyed a building in Gaza housing Al-Jazeera and Associated Press media offices.

On Friday, Emmanuel Macron called for a "return to peace" in the Middle East, stressing during an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel's "right to defend oneself" while expressing "his concern about civilian populations in Gaza ".

On Thursday, he spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and "strongly condemned the shooting claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups" while offering him "his condolences" for the "numerous losses of Palestinian civilians resulting from the operations. military and ongoing clashes with Israel ".

Egypt, which has signed a peace treaty with Israel and shares its border with Gaza, regularly mediates conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians.

This bilateral meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took place just before the start of an international conference in Paris on debt relief for Sudan, which brings together African, European and Gulf leaders as well as representatives international organizations.

With AFP

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