French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that fighting terrorism did not mean “to flatten Gaza”, referring to Israel’s response to an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants on October 7.“We cannot let the idea take root that an efficient fight against terrorism implies to flatten Gaza or attack civilian populations indiscriminately,” Macron told the France 5 Broadcaster.
He called on Israel “to stop this response because it is not appropriate because all lives are worth the same and we defend them.”
While acknowledging “Israel’s right to defend itself and fight terror”, Macron said France called for the protection of civilians and “a truce leading to a humanitarian cease-fire.”
Blood-Red Pages of Historical War
The bloodiest-ever Gaza war began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1,140 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
In response, Israel began a relentless bombardment alongside a ground invasion.
Hamas said Wednesday that 20,000 people have been killed in Gaza, mainly women and children.
Earlier Statements of Macron on War
In an interview earlier, with the BBC a month ago, the French President called for a ceasefire in Gaza and adhering to humanitarian laws. Macron condemned Hamas’s attack on October 7 and acknowledged Israel‘s right to retaliate. Meanwhile, he reiterated that bombing civilians isn’t the right way for Israel to protect itself.
“I was one of the first leaders to call the prime minister and president of Israel after the terrorist attack on 7 October, we condemn this terrorist attack and we recognize the right of Israel to protect itself and react.” He said.
He added: “But day one with this reaction and the fight against terrorism because it is led by a democracy it should be compliant with humanitarian international laws. “He continued: “Day after day what we saw is the permanent bombing of civilians in Gaza. “
“ I think it’s very important to say the whole story, but I think this the only solution we have This ceasefire. Because it’s impossible to explain we want to fight against terrorism by killing innocent people”
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