French President Emmanuel Macron has challenged U.S. President Donald Trump to stop the war in Gaza if he really wants to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Speaking from New York, Macron said only Trump had the power to put pressure on Israel to end the war.

Macron acknowledged that even after his recognition on behalf of France of a Palestinian state at the General Assembly — a decision bitterly opposed by both Trump and Israel — it was Washington that had leverage over Israel.

He also acknowledged that a Palestinian state “will truly be created on “the day the State of Israel recognises it.”

There have been concerns that Israel could respond to France’s move with retaliatory measures such as closing the French consulate in Jerusalem, which is used intensely by Palestinians or annexing territory in the occupied West Bank.

Recall the conflict began with the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas. Israel responded an assault and aid blockades on the Gaza Strip.