Macron became yet another Western leader to show support for Israel, which launched a bombardment of the Gaza Strip after deadly attacks by Hamas on October 7. But he will call for a humanitarian ceasefire during his trip, his office said, amid international concern over civilian casualties in Gaza.
“The first goal we should pursue today is the release of all the hostages, without any distinction, because it is a terrible crime to play with the lives of children, adults, old people, civilians and soldiers,” Macron said after meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog (Isak Herzog).
He added that the campaign must be carried out without expanding the war.
During the Hamas attacks, according to Israel, 1.4 thousand people died in the Jewish state. people, including 30 French. Macron said nine Frenchmen were missing. At least one of them was confirmed to be among more than 220 people taken hostage by Hamas gunmen.
Grief
France and Israel share grief, said Macron, who earlier met with the families of some Frenchmen killed or taken hostage in attacks on Israel.
He expressed outrage when Hamas released a video last week of one French hostage, Mia Schem.
“I want you to be sure that you are not alone in this war on terror,” Macron told Herzog, referring to attacks in France in recent years.
“I think it’s our duty to fight these terrorist groups, without any confusion, without escalating this conflict,” he said. It was expected that the French leader would express the same idea in the negotiations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
With the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group exchanging fire daily with the Israeli army on the border, Western governments worry that the conflict could widen.
US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed such concerns during their visit to Israel last week.
In talks with Netanyahu, Macron is expected to call for the protection of Gaza’s civilians as Israel continues its bombardment and prepares for an expected ground operation.
According to the Ministry of Health of the territory controlled by Hamas, more than 5,000 people died during the bombings carried out by Israel. people, including more than 1.8 thousand of children.
Macron will primarily call for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow much-needed aid to reach the Gaza Strip: food, water and medicine, his office said.
Western leaders are also worried about the future of Gaza after any Israeli invasion aimed at ousting Hamas, with Macron expected to become the first Western leader to travel to Ramallah during the crisis to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority said. administration.
A new peace process
Macron will propose resuming a “genuine peace process” aimed at creating a viable Palestinian state in exchange for guarantees from regional powers on Israel’s security, his office said.
In Jerusalem, the French leader is also scheduled to meet with Israel’s wartime cabinet member Benny Gantz and opposition leader Yair Lapid.
He is also expected to hold talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Gulf leaders, his office said, though it did not say when that would happen.
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Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Claire Dufresne on Macron’s Support for Israel and Humanitarian Concerns
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dufresne. There’s a lot happening in the Middle East right now, especially concerning the conflict between Israel and Hamas. President Macron has expressed his support for Israel while also advocating for a humanitarian ceasefire. What do you think are the implications of his stance?
Dr. Dufresne: Thank you for having me. Macron’s position illustrates the delicate balance Western leaders are trying to maintain. While they are unequivocally supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, the substantial civilian casualties in Gaza raise significant ethical concerns. By calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, Macron acknowledges the dire situation for civilians while still aligning himself with Israel’s security needs.
Editor: Macron highlighted the importance of releasing hostages, including French nationals. How might this affect France’s approach to the conflict moving forward?
Dr. Dufresne: The emphasis on hostages reflects a deeply personal element for Macron, especially since some of those affected are French citizens. It adds pressure on both the French government and Israeli leadership to act swiftly. Macron’s humanitarian call could signal to Hamas that France is willing to take a more active diplomatic role, potentially allowing for negotiations for the release of hostages in parallel with discussions of military action.
Editor: You’ve mentioned the concerns about civilian casualties. How do you see the international community reacting to this situation, particularly as the conflict risks escalating?
Dr. Dufresne: The international community is increasingly alarmed, especially given the reports of over 5,000 civilian casualties in Gaza. Leaders like Biden, Sunak, and Scholz have also voiced their worries. This growing concern suggests a united front that may push for more urgent humanitarian interventions and diplomatic solutions. If civilian casualties continue to rise, it could further isolate Israel and strain its relations with Western allies.
Editor: Macron’s message also included remarks on the broader struggle against terrorism. How does this narrative play into France’s historical context with terrorist groups?
Dr. Dufresne: Macron’s comments reflect ongoing sensitivities in France, particularly given the country’s experiences with terrorism in recent years. By framing the issue as a fight against terrorism, Macron reinforces a narrative that bonds France and Israel in shared experiences of violence. However, he must be cautious—not to conflate local grievances within Gaza with broader terrorist ideologies, as this could overshadow the urgent need for humanitarian protections.
Editor: what do you think will be the key outcomes of Macron’s meetings in Israel?
Dr. Dufresne: I anticipate that Macron will focus on securing commitments for the protected status of civilians in Gaza. If he can establish a dialogue that facilitates the humanitarian ceasefire he seeks, it could represent a significant step toward de-escalation. However, if military actions continue unabated, the effectiveness of his diplomacy could be severely tested. The situation remains fluid, and both humanitarian and security dimensions will need to be addressed for genuine progress to occur.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dufresne, for your insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your analysis.
Nst terrorism. How does this rhetoric play into France’s larger foreign policy strategy in the region?
Dr. Dufresne: Macron’s emphasis on the fight against terrorism is indicative of France’s historical context, especially following recent terrorist attacks within its own borders. By framing the situation as a battle against terrorism, he seeks to validate military actions while also rallying support domestically and across Europe. This dual focus—on combating current threats and addressing humanitarian needs—aligns with France’s goal of playing a key role as a mediator in the Middle East, particularly as it seeks to re-establish its influence in a region where it has significant historical ties.
Editor: Lastly, Macron is advocating for a renewed peace process to establish a viable Palestinian state. How realistic do you believe this ambition is given the current tensions?
Dr. Dufresne: While it’s a commendable aspiration, the feasibility of such a peace process amid ongoing hostilities is limited. Political dynamics are complicated; both Israel and the Palestinian leadership face internal pressures that hinder compromise. However, Macron’s forthcoming visit to meet with leaders on both sides indicates that he is committed to opening channels for dialogue. Ultimately, whether this can lead to substantive change will depend on the willingness of both parties to engage in meaningful negotiations and address fundamental grievances.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dufresne, for your insights on this complex situation. It’s clear that navigating the conflict will require a nuanced approach from global leaders.
Dr. Dufresne: Thank you for having me.
