Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is confirmed to attend a critical summit on Gaza, scheduled to take place in Egypt later today, French President Emmanuel Macron announced.
This significant gathering, co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, will convene over 20 world leaders. The primary objectives are to solidify the Gaza ceasefire and facilitate the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees.
President Abbas, who leads the Palestinian Authority, stands as a rival to Hamas, the group whose October 7, 2023 attack on Israel ignited the current conflict in Gaza. Notably, neither Israel nor Hamas will have direct representation at this summit.
Macron emphasized the importance of Abbas’s participation, stating, “It’s a very good sign… It’s a recognition of the role the Palestinian Authority has to play as a legitimate entity.”
Regarding France’s role, Macron added, “On the questions of governance, we will have a particular role to be by the side of the Palestinian Authority and to ensure it plays its part, and also that it conducts reforms for the day after.” This highlights an international push for the Palestinian Authority to take a more prominent and reformed role in the region’s future governance.