PARIS, Oct 3, 2025 – President Emmanuel Macron expressed optimism Friday that the release of all remaining Israeli hostages and an end to the Gaza war are now attainable, calling on Hamas to act without delay and pledging France’s full engagement alongside the United States to seize the diplomatic momentum.
In a post on X, Macron stated: “The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach! Hamas’ commitment must be followed up without delay. We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace. France will play its full part in line with its efforts at the United Nations, alongside the United States, Israelis and Palestinians, and all of its international partners. I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump and his team for their commitment to peace.” The message, which drew nearly 2,000 likes and sparked heated debate, underscores Paris’ alignment with Trump’s 20-point proposal amid escalating regional tensions.
Macron’s remarks build directly on France’s September 21 recognition of Palestinian statehood, a move explicitly conditioned on Hamas’ unconditional release of all captives held since the October 7, 2023, attacks. This echoes his recent United Nations address, where he insisted on hostage returns as a prerequisite for France to establish an embassy in the nascent Palestinian state.
Support poured in from European allies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed Macron’s call, describing the hostage release and war’s conclusion as “achievable” and pressing all sides for urgent implementation. The joint stance bolsters the U.S.-led framework, which demands Hamas’ complete disarmament and envisions an American interim administration for Gaza post-transition—though Hamas’ conditional nod to the plan notably omits full disarmament, posing hurdles to France’s vision.
Yet the rhetoric clashed with on-the-ground realities. Israeli airstrikes surged in Gaza City on October 3, forcing thousands to flee under fresh evacuation orders and drawing accusations of undermining talks. Critics on X, including pro-Palestinian users, lambasted Macron for not condemning the bombardments, with one replying: “What about a word to put pressure on the war criminal to stop his bombardment of innocents?”
France, undeterred, plans to collaborate closely with Washington on UN resolutions aimed at bolstering Gaza aid flows and security guarantees, with a sharp focus on reconstruction once a ceasefire holds. Macron’s overture arrives just ahead of Trump’s Sunday deadline for Hamas’ full endorsement, heightening stakes in the two-year conflict that has killed thousands.