French President Emmanuel Macron told the BBC on Friday that Israel must cease its airstrikes on Gaza, which are resulting in civilian casualties.
Macron said there was “no justification” for the bombing and said a cease-fire would benefit Israel.
He said that France “clearly condemns” the “terrorist” actions of Hamas, but that while recognizing Israel’s right to protect itself, “we do urge them to stop this bombing” in Gaza.
When asked if he wanted other leaders — including in the United States and Britain — to join his calls for a cease-fire, Macron said: “I hope they will.”
Israel has faced growing calls for restraint in its month-long war with Hamas but says the Gaza-based militants, who attacked Israel on October 7 and took hostages, would exploit a truce to regroup.
In a statement responding to Macron’s comments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that world leaders should be condemning Hamas, and not Israel.
Macron said there was “no justification” for the bombing and said a cease-fire would benefit Israel.
He said that France “clearly condemns” the “terrorist” actions of Hamas, but that while recognizing Israel’s right to protect itself, “we do urge them to stop this bombing” in Gaza.
When asked if he wanted other leaders — including in the United States and Britain — to join his calls for a cease-fire, Macron said: “I hope they will.”
Israel has faced growing calls for restraint in its month-long war with Hamas but says the Gaza-based militants, who attacked Israel on October 7 and took hostages, would exploit a truce to regroup.
In a statement responding to Macron’s comments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that world leaders should be condemning Hamas, and not Israel.
