Recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, condemning the killing of women and children in Gaza, have stirred a strong response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Macron’s critical remarks, aired in a BBC interview, urged Israel to halt bombings that have been killing civilians. He empathized with Israel’s pain and its fight against terrorism but stressed that there is no justification for the death of innocent civilians, advocating for a humanitarian truce as a step towards a ceasefire to protect all civilians unrelated to terrorism.
Responding swiftly, Netanyahu maintained that the responsibility for the plight of Gaza’s residents lies solely with Hamas, not Israel. In a detailed statement released on the social media platform “X” (formerly Twitter), Netanyahu’s office quoted him asserting that the harm to civilians in the Gaza Strip is the responsibility of Hamas. He also suggested that Hamas’s actions in Gaza could be replicated in cities like Paris and New York.
In his statement, Netanyahu drew parallels between Hamas and ISIS, comparing the actions of what he termed “Palestinian extremists” to the crimes of ISIS fighters. He reminded that Israel entered the war because of the terrorist organization’s brutal killing of hundreds of Israelis and the kidnapping of over 200 more.
The conflict, which erupted on October 7 following an attack by Hamas fighters on Israeli settlements and military bases around Gaza, has resulted in over 11,078 deaths, including more than 4,506 children, according to the latest figures released by the Hamas-run Health Ministry. In contrast, Israeli authorities updated their casualty figures to 1,200 deaths, correcting an earlier report of 1,400, with most occurring on the first day of the attack.
Macron, addressing potential Israeli violations of international law, stated he is “not a judge” but expressed concern that the intense bombardment of Gaza could lead to “resentment” in the region.
This diplomatic exchange between Macron and Netanyahu underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Macron’s statements reflect a growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a balanced approach to counterterrorism that does not disproportionately affect civilians. On the other hand, Netanyahu’s response highlights Israel’s stance on its right to self-defense and its attribution of responsibility to Hamas for the escalation in Gaza.
The situation calls for nuanced diplomatic efforts and a renewed focus on finding a sustainable solution to the long-standing conflict. The international community, including key players like France and Israel, faces the challenge of balancing the urgent need for humanitarian relief with the broader context of security and political stability in the region.
