Here Is Everything Emmanuel Macron Said During His Visit To Israel
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Tel Aviv on Tuesday on a trip by another international leader seeking to cool down escalating tensions in the region.
He tried to assure Israeli officials that the country is “not left alone in the war against terrorism” after Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, that killed about 30 French or Franco-Israeli nationals.
From the suggestion to create an international coalition to fight the Palestinian militant group to a warning to Iran, here is everything the president said during his trip.
French President Supports Israel’s Right To Defend Itself
Macron held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said his country would do anything he can to end the fight quickly, “but it could be a long war.”
While supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, the French leader tried to discourage Israel from launching an announced ground operation in the impoverished Gaza Strip.
He called for a humanitarian truce which could lead to a ceasefire, though he said the release of the hostages held by Hamas militants is the first objective right now.
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Iran Warned To “Not Take The Risk Of Opening New Fronts”
Emmanuel Macron proposed the creation of a “coalition” to fight against Hamas or to extend the objective of the coalition set up in 2014 to fight the IS in Syria and in Iraq to include Hamas.
He called on Iran not to escalate the ongoing violence into a regional conflict, asking the country to “not take the risk of opening new fronts.”
Macron heads to Egypt later Wednesday after his visit to Jordan, where he met King Abdullah. His whistlestop tour also included talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.
Erdogan Cancels Israel Trip Over “Inhumane” War
According to the health ministry in Gaza, at least 6,546 Palestinians, including 2,704 children, were killed and 17,439 wounded in Israeli strikes since earlier this month.
Addressing ruling party members in parliament, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he cancelled plans to visit Israel because of its “inhumane” war in Gaza.
He added that he viewed Hamas as “liberators” fighting for their land, noting Palestinians must unite to seek a two-state solution and that Arab states must provide support.
