French President Emmanuel Macron made a public call for renewed negotiations to secure the release of individuals held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In a video message, which was shared online and shown during a Tel Aviv gathering supporting the hostages, Macron emphasized France’s commitment to freeing those captured during the terrorist attacks on October 7.
Macron asserted France‘s unwavering stance in not abandoning its citizens and underscored the necessity of ongoing talks to facilitate their release.
During the October 7 incident, Hamas took approximately 250 people hostage. According to Israeli sources, around 132 hostages, including at least 25 who are presumed dead, are still in Gaza.
The fate of three French nationals, missing since the October 7 attack, is of particular concern, as they are believed to be among those held in Gaza.
The Israeli military disclosed the death of Franco-Israeli Elya Toledano, who was taken captive during the Supernova desert rave festival. Mia Shem, another French-Israeli citizen, was released in late November following a ceasefire agreement.
The October 7 attack by Hamas, described as unprecedented, resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, according to Israeli statements.
In response, Israel launched a comprehensive bombing campaign and ground assault. Hamas authorities in Gaza reported that these actions led to the deaths of 23,843 people, mainly women and children.
