French President Emmanuel Macron has said that US President Donald Trump could only win the Nobel Peace Prize if he successfully mediates and ends the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians over Gaza. His comments came during an interview with BFMTV on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Macron stressed that the current situation demanded action, noting that Trump was uniquely positioned to exert influence. “There is only one person who could do something in the current situation — the American president,” Macron remarked. He added that Trump’s own aspiration for the Nobel Peace Prize was tied directly to whether he could bring about peace in Gaza.
According to Macron, Washington holds decisive leverage over Israel, particularly due to its role as a key arms supplier. “Why can he (the US president) do more than us? We do not deliver arms (to Israel) that allow the Gaza conflict to be waged,” Macron explained. He urged Trump to pressure the Israeli government to halt military operations in Gaza and to work towards the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Macron also referenced France’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state at the General Assembly, a move strongly opposed by both Trump and Israel. While acknowledging the symbolic weight of the decision, he pointed out that lasting peace and the true creation of a Palestinian state would depend on Israel’s recognition.
The French president admitted that his government was preparing for possible retaliatory measures from Israel, such as the closure of France’s consulate in Jerusalem or further annexation of West Bank territory. He emphasized, however, that France would defend its interests and would not remain passive in the face of such moves.
The Gaza conflict escalated following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas. Israel’s subsequent military assault and blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza have drawn global condemnation, with calls for de-escalation and mediation intensifying. Macron’s statement places responsibility on Washington to take decisive action to resolve a crisis that has already caused immense human suffering.
