Macron’s comments intervened after Israel resumed his bombing of the Gaza Strip last month when a two-month truce ended and talks of ceasefires broke up between Israel and the Hamas militant group. Israel has since interrupted the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.
The War of Israel in Gaza was launched on October 7, 2023 of Hamas, assault against southern Israel during which 1,200 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage. The Gazan Ministry of Health managed by Hamas says more than 50,000 people in Gaza died in the conflict that followed. This figure includes civil and combatants’ deaths.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict resonates deeply in France, which houses the largest Jewish and Muslim communities in Europe. Israel also houses a large French -speaking community which has maintained close links with France.
France has always been in favor of a solution to two states, but has resisted calls to recognize a Palestinian state, often arguing that Paris would only do so if it served the peace process.
Macron’s comments occurred at the end of a three -day trip to Egypt, during which he visited a hospital dealing with Palestinians in the city of El Arish, near the border with Gaza.
“I want to believe in peace; today, the conflict has intensified and it’s terrible … Since March 2, there is nothing (at the Gaza Strip) – no water, no food, no medication and none of the injured comes out,” said Macron.
Macron’s decision is likely to upset Israel and draw a reaction from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who says that the recognition of the Palestinian state is now rewarding terrorism.
Politices
