Macron says two-state solution the 'credible way forward' and Gaza offensive will bring 'disaster'

Israeli PM tells troops to move quickly to retake control of Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron said a two-state solution is the only credible way forward. PA

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that France will co-chair a reconvened conference on the two-state solution with Saudi Arabia in New York in September.

Mr Macron, who plans to recognise Palestine during this year's UN General Assembly, said a two-state solution is the only credible way forward “for the families of the hostages, for Israelis, and for Palestinians alike”.

His warning came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to move quickly to retake control of Gaza, with the army in the first stages of an assault on Gaza city.

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Mr Netanyahu "ordered a reduction in the timelines for taking control of the last terrorist strongholds and defeating Hamas", his office said. It suggested that the final war plans are still to be approved - despite Israel previously saying its top general and defence minister had given the green light.

Israel increased preparations for the offensive on Wednesday by calling up 60,000 army reservists. A military spokesman, Effie Defrin, said Israel had entered the first stages of its attack on Gaza city and already had a hold on the outskirts of the city.

Israeli troops have been instructed to rapidly retake control of Gaza. AFP

The Israeli army said it already controls 75 per cent of Gaza. But in a sign that its new offensive may not be easy, its troops came under a rare large-scale attack from Hamas fighters in Khan Younis who claimed to have killed and injured Israeli troops.

Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, said one fighter blew himself up in Khan Younis, causing several casualties. It said fighters also raided a newly established Israeli site and attacked several Merkava tanks with explosives.

The Israeli army said three soldiers were injured in an attack, but did not acknowledge any deaths. It said Israeli troops “eliminated 10 armed terrorists in close-quarters combat”, supported by air force strikes.

Mr Macron said he had spoken to King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to outline a road map for the de-escalation of the Gaza war, calling for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, large-scale delivery of humanitarian assistance and the disarmament of Hamas, alongside the empowerment of the Palestinian Authority in the enclave.

Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey joined a growing chorus of states in July in New York calling on Hamas to relinquish control and disarm in Gaza, supporting a UN-backed effort to halt the conflict and revive stalled peace talks.

Seventeen countries, alongside the EU and Arab League, endorsed a seven-page declaration agreed at the first high-level UN conference in July aimed at advancing a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.

A majority of Americans believe the United Nations should recognize Palestine as a state, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed on Monday.

The survey found 58 percent backed recognition, while 33 percent opposed and nine percent were unsure.

The six-day poll underscored deep divisions in US opinion as Washington navigates tensions in the Middle East and mounting international calls for a two-state solution.

Mr Macron warned against Israel’s plan to seize Gaza city. “The military offensive in Gaza that Israel is preparing can only lead to disaster for both peoples and risks plunging the entire region into a cycle of permanent war."

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Israel announced plans for the offensive in recent weeks, with the Defence Minister Israel Katz approving the mobilisation of about 60,000 reservists. The humanitarian situation in the enclave continues to deteriorate amid reports of an increased number of deaths from starvation.

Hamas said yesterday that it wants Israeli troops to withdraw more than 800 metres from populated areas in Gaza as part of any ceasefire. Israel has yet to formally respond to the latest truce proposal put forward by Egypt and Qatar, but is demanding the release of all 50 hostages still held in Gaza.

Mr Macron reiterating his appeal for the deployment of an “international stabilisation mission” in Gaza, calling on regional and international partners to achieve it.

The French President has in recent weeks intensified diplomatic efforts with regional leaders, urging restraint while Israel presses ahead with military preparations.