PARIS – European and Arab leaders gathered in Paris on Thursday to chart Gaza’s post-war course, just hours after Israel and Hamas reached a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and prisoner-hostage exchange deal. The summit, attended by key mediators including Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, sought to align international efforts with U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, while exploring governance, reconstruction, and demilitarisation strategies.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the moment “the best chance we have right now” but stressed the importance of building a “sustainable” future beyond the war. French President Emmanuel Macron opened the meeting by underscoring that the talks were complementary to Washington’s vision, despite the absence of U.S. officials after Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled his visit.
The United Nations has endorsed a two-state framework, condemning Hamas and urging disarmament, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the prospect of an independent Palestinian state. The international gathering took place against a backdrop of strained Franco-Israeli relations, with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labelling the Paris initiative “unnecessary and harmful” and accusing Macron of acting behind Israel’s back.