French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that any forced relocation of residents from the southern Gaza city of Rafah would amount to a war crime.
During a telephone conversation between the two leaders, Macron also expressed strong condemnation regarding Israel’s recent announcement of seizing 800 hectares of land in the occupied West Bank for new settlements, as stated by his office.
Activists have labelled Israel’s declaration of the land in the northern Jordan Valley as “state land” as the largest seizure of its kind in decades.
Macron reiterated his opposition to any potential Israeli military action in Rafah, highlighting the city as the primary shelter for Gaza’s populace following months of intense conflict in the besieged region.
The French President informed Netanyahu of his intention to introduce a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, urging for “an immediate and enduring ceasefire.” Additionally, he called upon Israel to promptly reopen all crossings into Gaza.
Macron also engaged in discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, addressing the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, which they deemed unjustifiable, particularly the risk of famine facing civilians. Both leaders advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasising the establishment of a Palestinian state encompassing Gaza.
The proposed ground offensive in Rafah has encountered significant international opposition, with concerns raised over the potential for mass civilian casualties and the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis.
Despite mounting pressure, Israel maintains that the offensive is necessary in its efforts to dismantle Hamas.
After decades of Israeli oppression, the conflict in Gaza erupted following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,160 deaths in Israel, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Israel has pledged to eliminate Hamas, who also seized approximately 250 hostages, with around 130 believed to still be held in Gaza, including 33 presumed deceased.
Nearly six months of relentless bombardment have claimed the lives of 32,070 individuals in Gaza, with the majority being women and children, according to the Palestine Health Ministry.
Israel’s military campaign has encountered growing global opposition as Palestinian civilian casualties soar and the blockade contributes to widespread malnutrition and starvation.