French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump can only win the Nobel Peace Prize if he ends the war between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza.

He spoke to BFMTV during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Macron stressed that Trump has the most power to stop the fighting.

Trump Holds the Key

Macron said Trump is the only leader who can make a real difference. “There is only one person who could do something in the current situation — the American president,” he said.

He noted that Trump spoke about peace earlier at the UNGA. “I see an American president who is mobilised and who said this morning, ‘I want peace, I will solve this conflict.’ Who wants the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Peace Prize is only possible if you stop this conflict,” Macron added.

Macron Urges Action on Israel

Macron urged Trump to push Israel to stop its military actions in Gaza and free the hostages held by Hamas. “You need to pressure the Israeli government so it stops, it stops the Gaza conflict, so we finally release the hostages,” he said.

The conflict began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. In response, Israel launched heavy airstrikes and imposed strict aid blockades on Gaza.

France Recognises Palestinian State

France recently recognised a Palestinian state, a move strongly opposed by both Trump and Israel.

Macron admitted that the US has far greater influence over Israel. “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,” he explained.

He also said that peace would only come when Israel accepts Palestine.
“A Palestinian state will truly be created on the day the State of Israel recognises it,” he stated.

Concerns Over Israeli Response

Macron warned that Israel might retaliate against France for its recognition of a Palestinian state. Israel could close the French consulate in Jerusalem, which serves many Palestinians, or annex land in the occupied West Bank.

Macron said France is ready for any move. “We are ready." He added, "We have planned for all possible options, which means we will never remain inert. We just plan things and we will always defend France’s interests,” he said.

Background of the Conflict

The war started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on Israel. Israel then responded with continuous strikes on Gaza and aid blockades, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Macron made it clear that Trump must take the lead. Only the United States, he said, has the power to end the Gaza war, free the hostages, and bring lasting peace to the region.