ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday expressed his strong opposition to an Israeli annexation of Gaza and the occupied West Bank and the displacement of Palestinians during a visit with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt in Cairo, deeming such a move to be “a serious threat to the security of the entire region.”

Macron’s comments come amid a summit with the Egyptian president and King Abdullah II of Jordan in Cairo, with talks set to be dominated by Israel’s ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking regarding concerns over the displacement of Palestinians and the possible annexation of more Palestinian territory, Macron affirmed that "this would be a violation of international law and a serious threat to the security of the entire region, including Israel." 

The French premier emphasized the role of Egypt and Jordan in facilitating a solution to the ongoing hostilities and expressed his “full support” for the Arab League’s reconstruction plan for Gaza.

He also avowed France’s opposition to Hamas rule in Gaza, insisting that the group “must have no role” in governing the Strip.

The timely visit comes as France seeks to expand its diplomatic role in the conflict and to facilitate the opening of humanitarian corridors, with Macron’s comments coming after the administration of US President Donald Trump in January implied it would support the removal of Gazans to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan.

Both Egypt and Jordan are intrinsically involved in the conflict and its implications, sharing a border with the Gaza Strip and the West Bank respectively.