Emmanuel Macron found himself walking through New York City after a speech at the United Nations about recognizing Palestine as a state. Video footage shows him leaving his car to talk with police when traffic is halted for Donald Trump’s motorcade.
The video, shared by the social media outlet Brut, captures Macron explaining that he needs to reach the French consulate. An officer informs him, “I’m really sorry, everything has been frozen; there’s a motorcade coming.” Macron looks at the empty street and responds, “If you don’t see it, let me cross. I’ll negotiate with you.”
Stuck behind a barrier, he pulls out his phone and seems to call Trump, joking, “Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you.” Eventually, he is permitted to walk but not drive. With his security detail, he strolls for about 30 minutes, taking selfies with fans, even stopping for a man who kissed him on the forehead.
In his speech at the UN, Macron emphasized the urgent need for peace, saying, “The time has come to end the war in Gaza, the massacres, and the death… to recognize the state of Palestine in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.”
Recent surveys show a growing international sentiment for recognizing Palestine. According to a 2023 poll by the Pew Research Center, 62% of respondents in various countries support Palestine’s recognition. This shift reflects broader global perspectives on the conflict, highlighting the increasing demand for diplomatic solutions.
Macron’s proposal for a UN-led international stabilization force in postwar Gaza aims to gather support from multiple countries. However, Israel and the US are likely to oppose this initiative, showcasing the complicated geopolitics surrounding the issue.
This incident gives us a glimpse into the challenges leaders face while navigating international diplomacy and public sentiment. It’s a reminder that even high-profile officials can encounter unexpected hurdles, like being stuck in traffic.
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