French President Emmanuel Macron called on Israel to stop killing women and children in Gaza, indicating his hope that the leaders of the United States and Britain would join the call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Macron said in a television interview with the British BBC channel at the Elysee Palace, which was published on Friday evening on the channel’s website: There is no justification for the bombing. A ceasefire will benefit Israel.
He added, “While we recognize Israel’s right to protect itself, we urge it to stop this bombing in Gaza,” as he described it.
When asked if he wanted other leaders – including the US and UK – to join him in calling for a ceasefire, he replied: “I hope they do.”
Macron continued: “Indeed. These children, these women, these elderly people are being bombed and killed. Therefore, there is no reason for this and no legitimacy. Therefore, we urge Israel to stop.”
He made it clear that it is not his job to judge whether international law has been violated or not.”
When the French President was asked if he believed that Israel violated international law in Gaza. “I am not a judge. I am a head of state,” he said, adding that it would not be right to criticize “a partner and friend” Israel in this way just one month after it was attacked.
But Macron said he did not agree that the best way for Israel “to protect itself is to carry out a massive bombing of Gaza,” saying that creates “discontent and bad feelings” in the region that would prolong the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly responded to Macron’s statements, saying, “Countries should condemn Hamas, not Israel,” according to a statement issued by Netanyahu’s office.
