French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Saturday that France, along with Europe, is prepared to secure safe food distribution in Gaza.

Amid growing criticism over civilian deaths near Israeli-controlled aid centers, Barrot said the initiative would also ease Israeli concerns that armed groups like Hamas are seizing relief supplies.

He condemned the killing of “500 people who came for humanitarian aid.” Israeli newspaper Haaretz had reported that military commanders ordered troops to fire on Palestinians collecting food. Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed the claim as “a blood libel.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where hostilities have continued for nearly two years. Macron also advocated for unrestricted humanitarian aid access and reaffirmed France’s support for a two-state solution. He emphasized the importance of all parties honoring ceasefires, particularly in the context of the Iran-Israel conflict. Both leaders agreed on the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that French forces intercepted fewer than 10 drones during Iran’s recent military actions against Israel, using both ground-based air defenses and Rafale fighter jets. Addressing parliament, he stated that during the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict, Iran launched approximately 400 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones targeting Israel.

Amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, France has announced plans to evacuate approximately 250,000 French nationals residing in Israel. The French ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense stated that a military Airbus A400M aircraft is being dispatched for the evacuation. These military flights will supplement chartered civilian flights. Evacuees will first be transported to Cyprus.

French President Emmanuel Macron revealed he received a phone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which both leaders agreed to accelerate nuclear negotiations with European powers.

“Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons,” Macron stated on X (formerly Twitter).
He insisted it is Iran’s responsibility to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program with full transparency. Pezeshkian reportedly acknowledged the potential to de-escalate and avoid greater catastrophe.

French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation with Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging Iran to return promptly to the negotiation table over its nuclear program. In a statement posted on X, Macron emphasized that diplomatic dialogue is the only viable path to de-escalation. He also called for the release of two detained French nationals and warned Iran against any attacks on French citizens or property.

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza as “shameful and disgraceful,” following the interception of a humanitarian boat carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others. Thousands of people rallied in cities across France, including Paris, demanding action. Macron urged the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors and an effective ceasefire in Gaza. He also demanded the immediate release of six detained French nationals aboard the intercepted vessel.

A video from French President Emmanuel Macron’s Vietnam trip has gone viral, showing his wife Brigitte seemingly swatting his face as they disembark from a plane. Macron responded with humor, saying, “In the video, I was joking with my wife, and suddenly it’s being treated like a geopolitical catastrophe. People are interpreting it in bizarre ways.” He added, “Yes, the videos are real—but the way they’re being distorted and weaponized is even more alarming.”

CNN, citing a top French intelligence official, reported that Pakistan shot down at least one Indian Rafale fighter jet—the first confirmed downing of this advanced French aircraft in a conflict. Pakistan claims to have downed five Indian aircraft so far, including three Rafales. India, however, denies losing any jets. Debris from a crashed aircraft displaying markings from the French manufacturer has been found in Indian-controlled Kashmir, but its origin has yet to be confirmed.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France may recognize Palestine as a sovereign state during a UN conference in New York this June, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia. “This is not to please anyone; I will do it because it will be the right time and part of a broader momentum. Those who support Palestine should, in return, recognize Israel,” Macron said. Palestinian Foreign Minister Versen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the initiative, calling it a “step in the right direction to uphold Palestinian rights and pursue the two-state solution.”

French far-right politician Marine Le Pen, who is set to run in the 2027 presidential election, has been convicted of embezzling EU funds. This conviction poses a significant hurdle to her candidacy. While the court has yet to announce her sentence, prosecutors have demanded a fine of 300,000 euros and a ban on holding public office for five years. Le Pen has stated that she will appeal the verdict, arguing that barring her from elections during an appeal would be unjust.

France is seeking the return of the Statue of Liberty from the United States. On Sunday, French lawmaker Raphaël Glucksmann made the call, arguing that the values for which the statue was gifted no longer align with present-day America. The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of American independence, was presented as a gift from France in 1885, representing human rights, freedom, and democracy. Glucksmann stated that those who still believe in scientific freedom and human rights should support reclaiming the statue. He also criticized Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine and various immigration policies.

A knife attack in Mulhouse, France, left one person dead and three police officers injured. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the incident as an “Islamist terrorist attack.” A 37-year-old Algerian suspect was arrested at the scene. Reports indicate that the attacker shouted “Allahu Akbar” before launching the assault. The deceased, a 69-year-old Portuguese national, was reportedly assisting the police when he was fatally stabbed.

The French government has officially recognized Imamate as a profession and included it in the country’s employment list. The announcement was made by France’s Interior Minister during the closing session of the French Islam Forum, a government initiative aimed at improving relations between the state and representatives of the Muslim community. This recognition establishes Imamate as a structured and legitimate profession within France.

During the high-level “AI Action Summit” held in Paris, world leaders discussed the future of artificial intelligence (AI), policy frameworks, and ethical use. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized Europe’s commitment to AI development while ensuring environmental sustainability. While 60 countries, including India, signed the AI governance declaration, both the United States and the United Kingdom refused to sign, raising questions about their stance on AI regulations.