Macron: No future role for Hamas in Gaza governance

French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Monday that Hamas "must have no part" in the future governance of Gaza, reiterating France’s position that the group should no longer pose a threat to Israel.

Speaking alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during an official visit to Cairo, Macron reaffirmed his “full support” for the Arab League-endorsed plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, emphasizing that any future political framework must exclude Hamas.

“I want to be very clear: Hamas can no longer be part of Gaza’s governance. The group must not represent a threat to Israel’s security in the future,” Macron said during a joint press conference with President Sisi.

The French president’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by regional and international actors to chart a post-war future for the devastated Palestinian territory. Egypt, a key regional mediator, has taken a central role in ceasefire talks and humanitarian coordination since the conflict between Israel and Hamas reignited in October 2023.

Macron also underlined France’s commitment to long-term stability and reconstruction in Gaza, calling for coordinated international support and a revitalized peace process that leads to a two-state solution.

The Arab League plan, backed by France, outlines a roadmap for rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure and economy, while proposing a transitional governance structure involving the Palestinian Authority and other non-Hamas actors.

Macron’s visit to Cairo follows trilateral discussions with Egyptian and Jordanian leaders aimed at increasing diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the European Union, United States, and several other countries.

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A joint communiqué was released at the conclusion of the trilateral summit held by His Majesty King Abdullah II, Egypt President Abdul Fattah Al Sisi, and France President Emmanuel Macron in Cairo on Monday.

Following is the communiqué:

“Joint Jordanian-Egyptian-French Communiqué at the Conclusion of the Cairo Trilateral Summit

The leaders of Egypt, France and Jordan held a trilateral summit in Cairo on Monday, 7 April 2025, on the grave situation in Gaza.

In the context of the resumption of Israeli military strikes on Gaza, they called for an immediate return to the ceasefire, for the sake of the Palestinians to be protected and receive immediate and full humanitarian aid. They called for the implementation of the 19 January exchange deal guaranteeing the release of all hostages and detainees and ensuring security for all. Protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel as well as full access for the delivery of aid is an obligation under international law and international humanitarian law, and must be upheld.

The leaders expressed alarm at the increasingly deteriorating situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and urged a stop to all unilateral measures that undermine the viability of the two-state solution and increase tensions. They also urged respect for the historical status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites.

The leaders expressed their rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from their land or any annexation of any Palestinian territory.

In this regard, the leaders called for an international endorsement of the reconstruction plan for Gaza adopted by the Arab Summit held in Cairo on 4 March, as well as by the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation on 7 March, and discussed its effective implementation when it comes to security and governance. 

Leaders underlined that governance and maintaining order and security in Gaza, as well as in all Palestinian territory, shall come solely under the authority of an empowered Palestinian National Authority, with strong regional and international support. They expressed their readiness to assist in this prospect, in coordination with partners.

They reiterated the need to articulate these efforts at the June conference to be chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, so as to build a clear political horizon for the implementation of the two-state solution.

They expressed support for the Gaza reconstruction conference that will be held soon in Cairo.

His Majesty King Abdullah II and French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Al Sisi for convening this meeting.”