France's Macron Condemns Israel's Gaza Plan as Path to 'Permanent War'
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday denounced Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City as a “disaster of unprecedented gravity” that risks locking the region into permanent war. Macron emphasized the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire to protect Israeli hostages and Gaza civilians, and called on the UN Security Council to establish a stabilization mission in Gaza. Israel’s military claims to control about 70-75% of Gaza but aims to capture remaining strongholds in Gaza City and Al Mawasi. Macron vowed to work swiftly with international partners to push for peace efforts. ©(Sarah Meyssonnier/AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday condemned Israel's plan to expand its operations and take control of Gaza City as a "disaster" and a path to "permanent war".

"This war must end now with a permanent ceasefire," Macron said in a statement, adding Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City was "a disaster of unprecedented gravity and a headlong rush into permanent war."

"Israeli hostages and the people of Gaza will continue to be the primary victims of this strategy," Macron said.

Israel has said its military would "take control" of Gaza City in a plan approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet that sparked a wave of global criticism.

In the statement, Macron said it was important to establish a UN-mandated stabilisation mission to secure the Gaza Strip.

"The Security Council must now work to establish this mission and give it a mandate," he said.

"I have asked my teams to work on this without delay with our partners," Macron added.

Netanyahu defended the plan on Sunday, saying "Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas."

"We have about 70 to 75 percent of Gaza under Israeli military control," he said.

"But we have two remaining strongholds, OK? These are Gaza City and the central camps in Al Mawasi."

AFP

Comments
  • No comment yet