Macron Decries Israeli Strikes in Gaza as a Major Setback for Peace
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Synopsis
French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, labeling it a significant setback for peace efforts. He calls for an immediate halt to hostilities and stresses that a military solution is unacceptable. Jordan's King Abdullah II warns of the humanitarian consequences, urging global action to restore the ceasefire.
Key Takeaways
- Macron condemns Israeli strikes in Gaza.
- Calls for an immediate end to hostilities.
- Stresses that military solutions are unacceptable.
- Jordan's King Abdullah II echoes concerns.
- Over 400 casualties reported due to airstrikes.
Paris, March 20 (NationPress) French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza, describing it as a significant setback for peace initiatives and calling for an immediate halt to the violence.
"It is tragic for the Palestinians in Gaza, who are once again engulfed in the terror of bombings. It is tragic for the hostages and their families... It is tragic for the entire region, which is striving to recover after over a year of conflict and turmoil," Macron stated on Wednesday during a press conference with Jordanian King Abdullah II.
Macron underlined that hostilities must cease without delay and that negotiations should recommence in good faith. He emphasized that no Israeli military solution, colonization, annexation, or forced displacement would be tolerated in Gaza, urging involved parties to reestablish a political dialogue, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
King Abdullah II echoed Macron's concerns, stating that Israel's renewed assaults on Gaza represent an extremely dangerous action that exacerbates an already critical humanitarian crisis.
He appealed to the international community to act swiftly and collaboratively to restore the ceasefire.
Israeli forces launched air strikes across Gaza early Tuesday, resulting in over 400 fatalities, and declared an escalation of the offensive unless Hamas releases hostages held in the area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later asserted that Israel will intensify its renewed attack on the region, stating that "from now on, the negotiations (regarding the Gaza ceasefire) will occur only amidst conflict."
The attacks disrupted a ceasefire that had been in place for nearly two months.
