French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated their opposition to the Israeli attack on Rafah.
During a phone call, the two leaders voiced concerns over the ongoing situation in Gaza.
They emphasized the urgent need to increase efforts and international dialogues to halt the conflict and all escalations, as well as to ensure adequate delivery of humanitarian aid.
In the context of Gaza, more than 35,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have died, and nearly 80,000 have been injured since the Israeli war escalated following 7 October 2023.
Gaza has suffered extensive destruction, and Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has demanded that Israel prevent any acts of genocide and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its unwavering support for the ICC Prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant.
“France supports the ICC and its independence and is committed to fighting impunity in all circumstances,” stated the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry also expressed France’s dedication to finding a lasting political solution in the region, which they believe is the only way to restore peace prospects and alleviate the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.
The statement further explained that the decision to issue the arrest warrants would be up to the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber, following a review of the evidence provided by the Prosecutor to support his accusations.
Top US officials openly describe the Israeli strategy in Gaza as “self-defeating,” likely paving the way for Hamas’s return and marking a level of criticism unseen since the war began in October.
According to Politico, officials say the Israeli government “failed to control parts of Gaza after clearing them, turned civilian populations and the rest of the world against it through widespread bombing and inadequate humanitarian aid, and enabled Hamas to recruit more fighters.”
