Macron Pursues Middle East Peace Initiatives During Visit to Egypt

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to embark on a three-day visit to Cairo, where he aims to utilize the historical ties between France and Egypt to foster discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the ongoing Middle East conflict. This visit marks Macron's twelfth engagement with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi since he took office in 2017, highlighting the significance of their diplomatic relationship.

The Elysee Palace has indicated that the agenda will focus on regional crises, including the situations in Syria, Libya, Sudan, and Israel. France, known for its role as a mediator in the Arab world, is hopeful for substantial progress in addressing the Middle East conflict, particularly in light of recent escalations.

The current context is critical; Israel recently violated a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist entity by the EU, the US, Germany, and several Arab nations. The renewed hostilities followed a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and the abduction of hostages, prompting Israel's military response that has led to devastating losses in Gaza.

Amid these tensions, discussions during Macron's visit are expected to include talks on establishing a ceasefire and the potential for concluding the conflict. The visit also aims to formalize a strategic partnership between France and Egypt, akin to existing agreements between Egypt and the European Union.

France has maintained a prominent role in its relations with Egypt and the broader Arab region, largely due to historical ties established by former French President Charles de Gaulle. Under his leadership, France adopted a balanced stance towards the Middle East, supporting Israel while also advocating for Arab states. This diplomatic tradition has contributed to France's respected position within the Arab world, especially in Egypt.

Experts note that Macron's visit occurs at a time when the United States appears to be less coherent in its Middle Eastern policies, creating an opportunity for France to assert its leadership on the global stage. Egypt, with its strategic location and substantial population, is considered a vital player in regional stability and migration issues.

In recent discussions among the Arab League's member states, a proposal was presented to rebuild Gaza over a period of five to seven years, with aspirations for it to be managed by the Palestinian Authority. This plan contrasts sharply with previous proposals, such as those by former President Donald Trump, which suggested relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries during reconstruction efforts.

While the discussions in Cairo will primarily concentrate on economic cooperation, activists urge Macron to also address human rights concerns in Egypt, highlighting the government's record of repression against dissenting voices. Amnesty International has called for a strong stance on human rights issues during the visit, urging the French president to advocate for the release of political prisoners and to ensure forthcoming parliamentary elections are conducted fairly.

The Elysee has stated that human rights will be part of the discussions, although details remain limited. As Macron's visit unfolds, the international community will be watching closely to see if this diplomatic engagement yields tangible results in alleviating the ongoing crisis in the region.