The Guardian reports:

Emmanuel Macron has said that Israel’s goal of fighting terrorism did not mean it had to “flatten Gaza”, referring to its response to Hamas’s attack on 7 October.

“We cannot let the idea take root that an efficient fight against terrorism implies to flatten Gaza or attack civilian populations indiscriminately,” Macron told the France 5 broadcaster.

The French president called on Israel “to stop this response because it is not appropriate, because all lives are worth the same and we defend them”.

While acknowledging “Israel’s right to defend itself and fight terror”, Macron said France called for the protection of civilians and “a truce leading to a humanitarian ceasefire”.

The bloodiest-ever Gaza war began when Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October, killing about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

In response, Israel began a relentless bombardment alongside a ground invasion.

Hamas said on Wednesday that 20,000 people have been killed in Gaza, mainly women and children.

Macron has repeatedly criticised Israel’s execution of its campaign, warning earlier this month that its stated objective of the elimination of Hamas could take a decade and stoke “the resentment of all public opinion in the region”. [Continue reading…]