Macron Reaffirms Support for Two-State Solution, Amid Gaza Strikes Killing 16 Civilians

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday reiterated his strong support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Speaking from Indonesia, Macron emphasized that only a political resolution can ensure lasting peace in the region.

“Only a political solution will make it possible to restore peace and build for the long term,” he said. Macron dismissed claims of double standards in France’s Middle East policy. He also hinted that France may be edging closer to recognizing a Palestinian state — a move that could escalate tensions with Israel and further divide Western allies.

France and Saudi Arabia to Host Gaza Conference

Macron announced an upcoming conference on Gaza, to be held in New York, organized in collaboration with Saudi Arabia. The event aims to breathe new life into the peace process.

“Our goal is to push forward the recognition of both a Palestinian state and the State of Israel — each with the right to live in peace and security,” Macron stated.

Diplomats say Macron’s recent statements mark a growing shift in France’s approach. While European allies like Spain, Ireland, and Norway have moved toward recognizing Palestine, France has so far refrained — though that may soon change.

16 Killed in Israeli Strikes

While Macron spoke of peace, the ground reality in Gaza remained grim. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 16 Palestinians in fresh attacks across the besieged enclave on Wednesday, according to local civil defence authorities.

Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence, told AFP that the airstrikes began at dawn. “Sixteen people have been killed as a result of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since dawn,” he reported.

Photojournalist’s Family Targeted

Among the victims were nine members of a single family — that of Palestinian photojournalist Osama al-Arbeed. The family home, located in northern Gaza, was struck around 2 a.m.

Bassal said that Arbeed himself was wounded. “He works as a videographer and editor at a local film production organisation,” he added.

More Families Torn Apart

In central Gaza, another airstrike killed six more people from the same family. Fifteen others were wounded, including children.

Another civilian died in a separate strike near the southern city of Khan Yunis.

When contacted, the Israeli military declined to comment, stating they required “precise coordinates” to verify the reports.

Read: Mohammad Sinwar Killed in Gaza, Says Netanyahu

Israel Steps Up Military Offensive

Israel has intensified its military campaign in Gaza this month. The stated objective remains the total defeat of Hamas, more than 18 months after the group’s October 7, 2023, attack triggered this prolonged war.

That attack, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians. Hamas fighters also captured 251 hostages. Of these, 57 remain in Gaza, including 34 whom Israel claims are dead.

Toll on Gaza Civilians Rises Sharply

Since Israel ended the temporary ceasefire on March 18, the death toll in Gaza has surged. The Hamas-run health ministry said on Monday that 3,822 Palestinians have been killed since then.

The overall death toll in Gaza since the start of the war now stands at 53,977 — the vast majority being civilians, the ministry noted.

Calls for Accountability Grow

The rising civilian death toll has renewed global calls for accountability. Human rights organizations have accused Israel of disproportionate use of force and targeting civilians and infrastructure.

At the same time, Israel continues to claim it is targeting Hamas’ military assets. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated on May 26 that Hamas had “lost many assets, including command and control centres.”

World Watches Macron’s Next Move

Macron’s announcement has added weight to a growing international push for a renewed political solution. While recognition of a Palestinian state could anger Israel, it may also increase diplomatic pressure on both sides to return to the negotiating table.