Israel -Hamas War: French President Macron Calls On Netanyahu To Stop Bombing Gaza Civilians

French President Macron said that he can recognise Israel's need to protect itself but there is no justification for the bombings in Gaza.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that Israel must cease bombing Gaza and killing civilians. While acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense, Macron asserted that there is 'no justification' for the bombings and emphasized that a ceasefire would benefit all parties. He also made it clear that France unequivocally condemns Hamas’s terrorist activities, aligning with the UK and the US in viewing Hamas as a terrorist organization. Macron also expressed hope that the UK and the US would join his call for a ceasefire.

This follows the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which sparked a war. Hamas gunmen killed about 1,200 people and took 240 others hostage during the unprecedented attack that day.

Macron highlighted the “clear conclusion” reached by all governments and agencies present at the humanitarian aid conference on Gaza in Paris. The summit concluded that a humanitarian pause was the only viable solution, allowing the protection of civilians unrelated to the terrorist group.

Quoted by the BBC, Macron stressed, “De facto - today, civilians are being bombed. These babies, ladies, and old people are being bombed and killed. There is no reason or legitimacy for that, so we urge Israel to stop.”

However, when questioned about whether Israel breached international law in Gaza, Macron responded, “I'm not a judge. I'm a head of state.” He added that it would not be right to criticize Israel, a “partner and a friend,” just a month after it was attacked. Macron disagreed with the notion that the best way to protect the country is by bombing Gaza, stating that it creates 'resentment and bad feelings' in the region, further prolonging the conflict.

In response to Macron’s remarks, Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, insisted that Macron should condemn Hamas and not Israel.

A statement from Netanyahu's office read, “The crimes that Hamas is committing today in Gaza will be committed tomorrow in Paris, New York, and anywhere in the world,” according to the BBC.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said on Friday that 11,078 people had been killed, while 1.5 million had fled their homes following the Israeli bombardment.