French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, during which Macron expressed France’s “firm opposition to an Israeli offensive in Rafah.” The city on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt is sheltering some 1.4 million displaced people — over half the Gaza Strip’s population — who are crammed into tent camps and overflowing apartments and shelters.
Quick Read
- rench President Macron communicated his strong opposition to a potential Israeli offensive in Rafah during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, highlighting concerns over the humanitarian implications.
- Rafah, housing approximately 1.4 million displaced individuals or over half of Gaza’s population, faces the threat of further humanitarian disaster if an offensive occurs, with potential violations of international law.
- Macron emphasized the need for urgent humanitarian aid in Gaza, advocating for access through the Israeli port of Ashdod and a direct route from Jordan.
- Despite opposing the offensive, Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Israel’s security and expressed solidarity following the October 7 “terrorist attack.”
- The French President also prioritized the release of all Israeli hostages, including three French nationals, underscoring the importance of their safety to France.
The Associated Press has the story:
Macron to Netanyahu: France opposes Israeli ground invasion of Rafah
Newslooks- PARIS — (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, during which Macron expressed France’s “firm opposition to an Israeli offensive in Rafah.” The city on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt is sheltering some 1.4 million displaced people — over half the Gaza Strip’s population — who are crammed into tent camps and overflowing apartments and shelters.
According to a statement from the president’s office, Macron told Netanyahu that an offensive into Rafah could “only lead to a humanitarian disaster of a new magnitude,” with any forced displacement of a population potentially being a violation of international humanitarian law and increasing the risk of a regional escalation.
He also stressed the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, including opening the Israeli port of Ashdod and establishing a direct land route from Jordan.
However, Macron reiterated French support for Israel’s security and Paris’ solidarity with the Israeli people following the “terrorist attack” on Oct. 7.
Macron said the release of all the Israeli hostages, including three French nationals, was a priority for his government.
