Paris, August 12, 2025 – The Europe Today: French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday denounced Israel’s plan to expand military operations and seize control of Gaza City, warning it would lead to “a disaster of unprecedented gravity” and a “headlong rush into permanent war.” He called for the creation of an international coalition under a United Nations mandate to stabilise the Gaza Strip.
“This war must end now with a permanent ceasefire,” Macron said in a statement, stressing that the Israeli cabinet’s recent decision to expand operations in Gaza City and the Al Mawasi camps, and to re-occupy territory, risked triggering a humanitarian and political catastrophe.
Last week, Israel’s security cabinet approved the Gaza City plan, widening its military campaign in the war-torn Palestinian territory — a move that has faced sharp criticism both domestically and internationally.
“The Israeli cabinet’s announcement … heralds a disaster of unprecedented gravity waiting to happen and a drift towards a never-ending war,” Macron warned, adding that “Israeli hostages and the people of Gaza will continue to be the primary victims of this strategy.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to Macron’s comments. On Sunday, Netanyahu defended the military strategy, saying Israel was “applying force judiciously” and insisting, “Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.” He noted that Israeli forces currently control 70 to 75 percent of Gaza but that two major strongholds remain — Gaza City and the central camps in Al Mawasi.
Macron proposed the establishment of a UN-mandated stabilisation mission to secure the Gaza Strip, protect civilians, and work in support of Palestinian governance. “The Security Council must now work to establish this mission and give it a mandate,” he said, adding that he had instructed his teams to coordinate with international partners without delay.
The proposal follows Macron’s recognition of a Palestinian state last month — a move that was quickly followed by similar recognitions from Britain and Canada. By pushing for a UN mission, Macron aims to build on that diplomatic momentum and press for a sustainable political resolution to the crisis.
