French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. After expressing solidarity with Israel in the wake of the October 7 attacks, and reiterating France's call for the release of the hostages held by Hamas, Macron repeated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressed his concern regarding Israel's actions in Shifa Hospital, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Macron reiterated his opposition to military action in Rafah. He noted that any forced transfer of the Gazan population would constitute a war crime according to international law and that the future of Gaza is within the framework of a Palestinian state under the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority.
The two leaders discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgency of ramping up humanitarian aid, in light of a risk of famine and the deprivation of basic needs among the civilian population of the Strip.
Macron insisted that Israel immediately and unconditionally open all crossing points to the Gaza Strip, especially the Karni crossing, with a direct land route from Jordan and the port of Ashdod. The number of trucks should be determined in a transparent manner, he said, in coordination with the United Nations.
Macron also called to prevent violent skirmishes during Ramadan in Jerusalem and the West Bank, and also highlighted the call to maintain the status quo of holy places in Jerusalem.
Macron strongly condemned Israel’s latest announcements on settlement development, citing them as going against international law. He mentioned that France and Europe have taken initial steps against settlers guilty of acts of violence against Palestinians, and that France is planning further steps in coordination with its partners.
