Macron: Very concern regarding the return to violence in Gaza
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that his country is very concerned about the resumption of violence in Gaza and that he’s heading to Qatar to help in efforts to start a new truce before a ceasefire.
Macron added in a press conference during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) summit in Dubai that the situation requires redoubling efforts to reach a permanent ceasefire and release all hostages.
A temporary truce between Israel and Hamas collapsed on Friday after mediators failed to extend it.
Israel and Hamas blame each other for the collapse of the truce.
Macron also urged Israel to clarify its goals regarding Hamas.
Macron said, “We’re at a moment in which the Israeli authorities must precisely define their goals, and their ultimate goal is to completely eliminate Hamas. Does anyone believe this is possible?” If so, the war will last ten years”.
He added, “Israel won’t enjoy permanent security in the region if its security is achieved now at the expense of Palestinian lives, and the resulting public dissatisfaction in the region… Let’s all be transparent”.
In response to a question about this statement, Mark Regev, a senior advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told reporters that Israel does not want to see civilians in Gaza caught in the crossfire as battles resume.
“Israel is targeting Hamas, a brutal terrorist organization that has committed the most horrific acts of violence against innocent civilians, and Israel is doing its utmost to protect civilians in Gaza,” he added.
