Macron Urges Israel to Cease Strikes on Gaza and Honor Lebanon Ceasefire
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end strikes on Gaza and adhere to ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon. His appeal follows renewed violence following a failed truce with Hamas and highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid amidst rising civilian casualties. Macron’s calls emphasize the delicate geopolitical situation in the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently placed a phone call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging an immediate cessation of strikes on Gaza. He emphasized the importance of returning to a ceasefire, explicitly noting that the Islamist group Hamas must also comply. Additionally, Macron called for the prompt resumption of humanitarian aid to the region, highlighting the critical need for aid delivery.
Macron’s remarks come in light of Israel’s renewed bombardment of Gaza, which followed a breakdown of a fragile truce with Hamas. Following an escalation in violence on March 18, which marked the end of a nearly two-month ceasefire initiated after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has dramatically worsened. Reports surfaced indicating that an air strike in Khan Yunis tragically resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals, including five children, during Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
In addition to Gaza, Macron also voiced concerns regarding the ongoing situation in Lebanon, urging Israel to adhere strictly to the ceasefire. His call to Netanyahu follows a recent air strike in Beirut targeting Hezbollah, which occurred after a series of rockets were launched from Lebanese territory towards Israel. Macron previously described these strikes as “unacceptable” and emphasized the importance of respecting the temporary truce that had been in place for four months.
The Israeli government, represented by Netanyahu, has maintained a firm stance, announcing that Israel will respond to any perceived threats from Lebanon. Furthermore, Netanyahu warned that the strategic balance has altered due to the recent tensions. As the situation continues to develop, the humanitarian implications for both Gaza and Lebanon remain a critical point of concern for international observers, including France, the UK, and Germany, who advocate for improved access to aid for those affected.
In summary, President Emmanuel Macron has called upon Prime Minister Netanyahu to halt military strikes on Gaza and adhere to existing ceasefires with both Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The resumption of violence has raised significant humanitarian concerns, particularly following targeted air strikes that have caused civilian casualties. Both the geopolitical dynamics in the region and the pressing need for humanitarian aid underscore the critical nature of Macron’s appeals to the Israeli leadership.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
