France, Sept. 24 -- French President Emmanuel Macron spoke exclusively to RFI and its sister television channel France 24 on Wednesday about the twin challenges confronting Europe and the Middle East. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Macron welcomed what he described as the Trump administration's "new perspective" on the war in Ukraine, and the pathway to peace in Gaza.

Macron also defended France's recent recognition of the state of Palestine, arguing that it is a necessary step to isolate Hamas and create a pathway toward peace in Gaza.

Following his criticism of "double standards" in the international handling of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Macron used the interview to outline France's s...