French President Macron calls Netanyahu and requests a “long-term ceasefire” in Gaza

As a worsening humanitarian catastrophe engulfs the Palestinian territory, French President Emmanuel Macron made a demand for a “lasting ceasefire” in Gaza during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, according to his office.

The French president said in a statement that “France will work in the coming days in cooperation with Jordan to carry out humanitarian operations in Gaza.”

Macron expressed his “deepest concern” to Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu over civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Macron has been an ally of Netanyahu from the beginning of the conflict, which was sparked by the extraordinary Hamas assault on Israel on October 7.

Additionally, he emphasized the need to take action to stop Israeli settlers’ aggression against Palestinian residents in the occupied West Bank and to stop the construction of additional planned settlements.

The prime minister praised Macron for “France’s involvement in defending freedom of navigation and its willingness to help restore security along Israel’s border with Lebanon,” according to Netanyahu’s office during the conversation.

Around 1,140 people, largely civilians, were killed in the battle that started when Hamas terrorists assaulted southern Israel, according to an AFP count based on Israeli numbers.

More than 250 hostages were taken by Palestinian terrorists; according to Israel, 129 of them are still being held captive.

With the intention of destroying Hamas, Israel launched a ground invasion and ceaseless bombing of Gaza, killing at least 21,110 people—mostly women and children—according to the health ministry operated by Hamas in the enclave.