We must work toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday at a humanitarian aid conference for Gaza in Paris. "The situation is serious and it worsens every day," he said, urging an immediate "humanitarian pause" in Gaza to protect the civilian population. He added that France will increase its aid to Gaza to €100 million, after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged more financial support for the region on Monday.
Macron also stated that "no one can say Hamas is not a dangerous, terrorist group" and that measures must be taken to cut off its financing and sanction those linked to the October 7 attack which set off the current conflict. He repeated that Israel has the right to defend itself but that it also has the "eminent responsibility" to respect the rights of civilians and protect them.
