Europe and Arab Nations Meet in Paris to Discuss Next Phase of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan
European and Arab leaders gathered in Paris on Thursday to discuss how to shape Gaza’s post-war future, just hours after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire and prisoner-hostage exchange proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“This is the best chance we have right now,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. “But we need to prepare for what comes after the war so that peace can be sustainable — that’s why we are here.”
Ceasefire Agreement Reached Between Israel and Hamas
Under the new ceasefire deal, Israel and Hamas agreed to halt hostilities and release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, analysts quickly pointed out that the real challenge lies in turning this fragile truce into a lasting peace agreement.
The Paris meeting focused on the next steps of Trump’s Gaza plan, including how Gaza will be governed, how international aid and reconstruction will be managed, and how countries can contribute to long-term stability in the region.
Macron Calls for Joint Effort With the U.S.
Opening the meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the Paris talks were meant to complement the U.S. initiative, saying Europe aims to work “side by side” with Washington’s Gaza peace framework.
Last month, the U.N. General Assembly endorsed a declaration supporting a two-state solution, condemning Hamas, and urging it to disarm. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to recognizing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Regional Leaders Take Part in Key Discussions
Attending the meeting were Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, one of the key mediators of the ceasefire, along with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Turkey, both instrumental in persuading Hamas to accept the deal.
Although U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was initially scheduled to attend, he later cancelled, and the United States did not send a representative. French officials, however, insisted that coordination with Washington remained close and ongoing.
Talks on Governance, Aid, and Demilitarisation
Trump’s Gaza plan proposes an international stabilization force to help secure the territory. Ministers in Paris discussed potential structures for Gaza’s governance, humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and demilitarisation efforts aimed at preventing further conflict.
Tensions rose when Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the Paris conference, calling it “unnecessary and harmful.” He accused France of excluding Israel from key discussions, suggesting that the initiative was an attempt by Macron to divert attention from domestic political issues.
