In UK parliament speech, Macron says Gaza war poses threat to ‘our collective security’

During a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom this week, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a ceasefire in Gaza and cooperation toward recognizing a Palestinian state.

“We will fight until the very last minute in order to start the ceasefire, in order to start negotiations to get this… sustainable peace,” Macron said yesterday, speaking in English before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Parliament.

Macron described the war in Gaza as a “war without end and without a strategic objective,” and said it “poses a huge threat to the region and our collective security.”

“Together, we call for the release of all hostages. Together we call for a ceasefire in Gaza. It is a matter of absolute urgency,” he continued.

“A political way out is crucial, and I believe in the two-state solution as a basis for regional security architecture, which will enable Israel to live in peace and security alongside its neighbors,” the president added, urging “working together in order to recognize a state of Palestine.”

Building “this political momentum is the only path to peace,” Macron concluded, to resounding applause.

Macron’s remarks come weeks after a joint French-Saudi initiative to convene a United Nations conference in New York to revive efforts toward a two-state solution was canceled, following Israel’s 12-day aerial campaign targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities.