Macron pushes Gaza initiative as UN summit showcases his bid for global leadership role

French President Emmanuel Macron is using a new initiative aimed at resolving the Gaza crisis as a platform to demonstrate his vision for a more unified and progressive global order, positioning himself as a potential challenger to US influence on the world stage during the UN General Assembly in New York. The plan, which has been months in the making, emphasizes cooperation between Western nations and Islamic states to broker a lasting peace deal. Macron's move is seen by many as an attempt to bolster France's role as a leader of moderate forces globally and challenge US President Donald Trump's 'America First' approach.