Image Credit: Quirinale.it
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Israel to cease its bombing in Gaza, specifically urging an end to the killing of women and babies. In an exclusive interview at the Élysée Palace, Macron stressed that while Israel has the right to protect itself, there is "no justification" for the ongoing bombing in Gaza. He emphasized the need for a ceasefire, stating that civilians, including babies, women, and the elderly, are being bombed and killed.
Macron condemned the actions of Hamas, recognizing it as a terrorist organization, but also called for an end to the bombing affecting innocent civilians. Israel, in response, asserted that nations should condemn Hamas rather than Israel. Macron's remarks come amid a month of Israeli bombardment in Gaza and nearly two weeks after Israel's major ground offensive, resulting in thousands of casualties and displaced individuals.
The French president highlighted the importance of a humanitarian pause leading to a ceasefire to protect civilians not involved with terrorists. He called for professionalism and patriotism from electoral bodies, security agencies, and other stakeholders during and after the election. Macron also touched on various global issues, including antisemitism, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, online extremism, and the impact of climate change on terrorism
