French President Emmanuel Macron called for a humanitarian Ceasefire in the Hamas-Israel conflict, emphasizing the need for Israel to improve its targeting of individuals associated with terrorism for the protection of civilians in Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday called for a “humanitarian truce” in the Hamas-Israel conflict for the protection of civilians in Gaza, as he said Israel’s response must “better target… terrorists”.
The war erupted after Hamas militants stormed across the Gaza Strip’s border, killing 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and snatching 229 hostages in the worst bloodshed in Israel’s history.
Israel has struck back with a relentless bombing campaign which Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says has killed 7,326 people, mostly civilians, among them 3,038 children.
“A humanitarian truce is useful today to be able to protect those who are on the ground, who have suffered bombings,” Macron said.
The French leader said he recognized Israel’s “right and legitimate wish to fight against terrorism”, adding that France was “ready to provide our assistance”.
But, Macron pointed to “the complete blockade, the indiscriminate bombardment and even more the prospect of a massive ground operation” as risks for civilians.
He also said Israel had to “better target… terrorists”.
Macron was speaking after European Union leaders on Thursday demanded “humanitarian corridors and pauses”, but they avoided calling for a ceasefire despite a Spanish push to toughen the bloc’s language during a five-hour debate.
Just 74 trucks of food, water, and medicine have been permitted to enter Gaza, home to 2.4 million people, since the conflict began, a figure described by aid groups as vastly insufficient.
Before the conflict, around 500 trucks entered daily, according to the United Nations.
Macron also said France wanted to get its citizens out of Gaza soon during a press conference after a two-day summit of EU leaders in Brussels.
Khalil Wakim, with AFP
