At the same time, Netanyahu reiterated to the French leader his firm opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state.
French President Emmanuel Macron asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip, saying that only a ceasefire can guarantee the release of the remaining Israeli hostages.
“The Calvary that Gaza’s civilian population is going through needs to end,” Macron wrote at X after a call to Netanyahu on Tuesday. He also asked to open all humanitarian aid passages to Gaza.
The United Nations warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is getting worse, with no help delivery arriving for weeks.
Macron also reiterated that France remains committed to the release of all hostages and the demilitarization of Hamas. He expressed hope in a ceasefire, the renewal of humanitarian access, and progress towards a political solution of two states.
The French president said the ceasefire was the only way to ensure the release of more hostages.
On Monday, Hamas said Israel had proposed a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the hostages.
According to a Hamas employee, Israel also demanded disarmament – something the group called the “red line.”
Last week, Macron increased tensions with Israel by suggesting that France could recognize a Palestinian state at a UN conference in June. Israel stated that such recognition is premature.
Macron argues that French recognition could encourage others to do the same – and potentially persuade states that currently do not recognize Israel to change their position.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli Prime Minister expressed to the French president his “strong opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, stating that this would be a huge reward for terrorism.”
Originally published by DW on April 15 ,/2025
By Richard Connor with AFP, AP, DPA, Reuters
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/04/16/macron-diz-que-sofrimento-civil-em-gaza-deve-acabar/
