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He
said that France "clearly condemns" the "terrorist" actions of
Hamas, but that while recognizing Israel's right to protect
itself, "we do urge them to stop this bombing" in Gaza.
When asked if he wanted other leaders - including in the United
Sates and Britain - to join his calls for a ceasefire, Macron
said: "I hope they will."
Israel has faced growing calls for restraint in its month-long
war with Hamas but says the Gaza-based militants, who attacked
Israel on Oct. 7 and took hostages, would exploit a truce to
regroup.
In a statement responding to Macron's comments, Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that world leaders should be
condemning Hamas, and not Israel.
"These crimes that Hamas (is) committing today in Gaza will be
committed tomorrow in Paris, New York and anywhere in the
world," Netanyahu said.
Macron's interview to the BBC aired a day after a humanitarian
conference on Gaza was held in Paris.
Macron said the "clear conclusion" of all governments and
agencies present at that summit was "that there is no other
solution than first a humanitarian pause, going to a ceasefire,
which will allow [us] to protect... all civilians having nothing
to do with terrorists".
"De facto - today, civilians are bombed - de facto. These
babies, these ladies, these old people are bombed and killed. So
there is no reason for that and no legitimacy. So we do urge
Israel to stop," he said.
(Reporting by Silvia AloisiAdditional reporting by Rami
AyyubEditing by Alistair Bell and Diane Craft)
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