PARIS: France President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that providing international financial aid to struggling countries could prevent their involvement in conflicts, citing the ongoing situation in Gaza as an example.
Speaking at the annual Paris Peace Forum, Macron said that ‘Everything is connected”, expressing concern that vulnerable nations might be drawn into conflicts without international solidarity.
Macron specifically praised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its “absolutely decisive” aid to Jordan and Egypt, aiming to mitigate the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The IMF recently announced $1.2 billion in aid for Jordan, a country heavily reliant on foreign assistance and facing potential challenges with an influx of Palestinian refugees.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva indicated the organization’s willingness to provide additional support to Egypt, which is also grappling with the fallout from the ongoing conflict.
The Peace Forum, held against a backdrop of escalating global conflicts, acknowledged the critical situation in Gaza, where Israeli bombardment since October 7 targeting civilians’ buildings including schools, hospitals and refugees camps. The Palestinian’s health ministry reported that over 11,000 casualties, that include mostly children and women.
Pope Francis, though not present at the Peace Forum, conveyed a message emphasizing hope that the gathering could contribute to building a fairer, more united, and peaceful world.
The pontiff stressed the slow and patient work required to build peace, acknowledging the necessity of defending legitimate rights while acknowledging that war is always a defeat for humanity.
