Doha – As part of this three-day visit to Morocco, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the Moroccan Parliament, touching on a range of topics including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Gaza, and the situation in Lebanon.

Macron’s speech comes amidst escalating tensions in the region and deteriorating relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In his address, Macron acknowledged the long-standing friendship between France and Morocco, highlighting their shared history and the importance of their strategic partnership.

He also discussed issues such as immigration, the fight against illegal trafficking, and the need for enhanced judicial cooperation between the two countries.

Referring to the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas against Israel, Macron strongly condemned the incident, calling it an act of “particularly atrocious barbarism.”

He affirmed Israel’s right to defend its people against such threats, noting that France lost 48 of its own citizens in the attack, with two compatriots still held hostage in Gaza.

However, the French President emphasized that despite the attack, “nothing can justify the disastrous human toll in Gaza and the suffering experienced by civilian populations.”

The path to diplomacy is demanding, but possible

He urged for a ceasefire in Gaza, a plea France has consistently made since November of the previous year. Macron stressed the need to liberate hostages, protect populations, and allow humanitarian aid to reach the Gaza Strip.

Turning to Lebanon, Macron also called for a ceasefire and an end to military operations, revealing that France has been working towards this goal for several weeks in coordination with American partners and others.

In line with this position, he appealed for a halt in the export of weapons currently being used in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.

The French President reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a diplomatic solution, stating: “The path of diplomacy is possible. It is demanding, and it is the one that France supports to allow the Israeli, Palestinian, and Lebanese peoples to see their aspirations for peace and security guaranteed, and for all the displaced to return home safely.”

Macron also reiterated France’s historical attachment to the two-state solution, emphasizing the need to decisively revive this perspective to ensure lasting peace in the Middle East.

He underscored France’s unwavering commitment to fighting antisemitism both domestically and worldwide, acknowledging the resurgence of antisemitic acts in recent years.

Praising Morocco’s role in addressing these challenges, Macron paid tribute to the actions of King Mohammed VI, who also serves as the Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee.

He commended the King’s personal investment in providing urgent humanitarian aid to Palestinian and Lebanese populations in dire need.

The French President saluted Morocco’s mobilization in favor of de-escalation, the resumption of dialogue, and the relaunch of a credible political process.

Amidst the current cacophony and the complacency of extremes on all sides, Macron noted that Morocco carries a strong and singular voice – a voice of reason and justice, faithful to its history and principles.

This voice, he said, reminds us of our commitments and common values, urging us to work tirelessly to bring hope to a region and populations that have so little of it today.

Macron expressed confidence that Paris and Rabat share the same concern and are working towards the same goal in addressing the Middle East crisis.

Macron’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been the subject of scrutiny in recent months. Initially vowing “unreserved solidarity” with Israel following the October 7 attack, his position has grown more critical as the death toll in Gaza has mounted.

The French President has called for Western countries to stop delivering weapons to Israel and has traded barbs with Netanyahu over civilian casualties and Israeli strikes against UN peacekeepers.

Morocco and the Palestinian cause

The French President’s comments align with the position consistently advocated by Morocco. In his recent Throne Day speech, King Mohammed VI reiterated Morocco’s support for the Palestinian cause, stressing that regional security and stability can only be fully ensured through a two-state solution.

The Moroccan monarch emphasized the need for Gaza to remain an integral part of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Morocco has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause for years, providing humanitarian aid to Gaza on multiple occasions.

The commitment to assist the Palestinian people dates back to the mid-1990s under the late King Hassan II and has continued under King Mohammed VI’s reign.