Macron warns Israel against West Bank annexation amid Gaza truce talks

French President Emmanuel Macron warned on November 11 that any Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank would cross a “red line” and trigger a strong European response.

Macron made the remarks during a joint press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who visited Paris one month into a fragile truce between Hamas and Israel, following two years of war since the October 7, 2023, outbreak of hostilities, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“Plans for partial or total annexation, whether legal or de facto, constitute a red line to which we will respond strongly with our European partners,” Macron said. He added that “the violence of the settlers and the acceleration of settlement projects are reaching new heights, threatening the stability of the West Bank and constitute violations of international law.”

Violence in the West Bank has surged since the war in Gaza began. According to the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli forces and settlers have killed at least 1,002 Palestinians in the territory, while 43 Israelis, including soldiers, have died in Palestinian attacks, according to Israeli authorities.

During the meeting, Macron and Abbas also announced the creation of a joint committee “for the consolidation of the state of Palestine,” aimed at drafting a new constitution. Abbas, 89, reaffirmed his commitment to political reforms, including holding presidential and parliamentary elections after the war.

Under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, an international security force from Arab and Muslim allies would stabilize Gaza as Israeli troops withdraw. A transitional authority would govern Gaza temporarily until the Palestinian Authority completes reforms. Trump said last week that the International Stabilization Force would be deployed “very soon.”

Despite the ceasefire, the truce has been strained by new Israeli strikes on Gaza. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 69,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since the outbreak of war.

By Vugar Khalilov