Emmanuel Macron challenged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the “too many civilian casualties” in Gaza, reminding him of the “absolute need to distinguish terrorists from the population”, the Elysée announced on Sunday. On the situation in the West Bank, the head of state expressed to Benjamin Netanyahu “his great concern regarding the increase in violence against Palestinian civilians”, calling for “do everything to prevent the spread of this violence and maintain the calm”.
He also addressed this subject during an interview with the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, with whom he “condemned the violence” committed “against Palestinian civilians” in the West Bank, said the French presidency on the 44th day of the war between Israel and Hamas.
The need for the Palestinian Authority to condemn the Hamas attack
The French president also reminded Mahmoud Abbas “of the need for the Palestinian Authority and all countries in the region to unequivocally and with the greatest firmness condemn the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas in Israel on October 7.” With Benjamin Netanyahu, Emmanuel Macron also “repeated the importance of establishing an immediate humanitarian truce leading to a ceasefire”, also recalling the “need to avoid any extension of the conflict, particularly in Lebanon” .
The French president had unveiled a little earlier a new round of humanitarian aid sent by France towards the Middle East, with the imminent departure of the Dixmude helicopter carrier configured for hospital support, and the possibility for “children wounded or sick” from Gaza to be received in French hospitals if this is “useful and necessary”.
Reiterated support from Israel to France
“The Israeli Prime Minister reiterated his support for France to step up its humanitarian action for the benefit of civilians in Gaza,” said the Elysée. The unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 left around 1,200 dead in Israel, mainly civilians, according to authorities.
In retaliation, Israel is leading an offensive in Gaza with the aim of “annihilating” Hamas, which has left at least 13,000 dead, including more than 5,500 children and 3,500 women, according to the latest government report of the Islamist movement.