French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, expressing his satisfaction with the ceasefire's first stage being respected and called for the truce to continue long-term.
He welcomed the release of hostages and the pause in strikes, calling each humanitarian effort a sign of hope for Gaza. "Every hostage released is a huge relief. Every day without strikes, every humanitarian action, a hope for Gaza," Macron stated.
The French president said he and Abbas also discussed a plan for Gaza floated by Arab countries, as an alternative to Washington's rebuilding plan which would displace Palestinians. He further emphasized the goal of establishing a credible roadmap toward a two-state solution, which he called the only path to lasting peace and security in the region.
