Focus on civilians and a ceasefire! Macron discusses 'Gaza and the West Bank' with Abbas and Netanyahu

French President Emmanuel Macron held phone calls with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

THE WEST BANK

In a statement from the Élysée Palace, it was stated that Macron and Abbas discussed the issue of a humanitarian ceasefire and the situation in the West Bank during their phone call.

It was reported that Macron condemned the violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank during the call and expressed his demand that Israeli authorities put an end to this situation.

"Both presidents agreed on the importance of doing nothing that would weaken the West Bank," the statement said, adding that the two leaders noted that a political process must be restarted to meet the Palestinians' aspirations for statehood.

The statement added, "The President (Macron) recalled that France is contributing to all regional and international efforts to ensure an end to the war and the restoration of peace and security for everyone in the region."

CIVILIANS AND CEASEFIRE

It was noted that in his call with Netanyahu, Macron drew attention to the high number of civilian casualties resulting from the ongoing attacks in Gaza and stated that civilians in Gaza must be protected.

The statement indicated that Macron emphasized the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the region, which should then evolve into a lasting ceasefire.

The statement, which noted that Macron told Netanyahu he was concerned about and condemned the increasing violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, provided the information that "(Macron) insisted that everything must be done to prevent the spread of this violence and to maintain calm."

The statement noted that Macron emphasized the need to avoid the situation in Gaza spreading to the region and said that a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue would ensure stability in the Middle East.

The statement, which reported that Macron also discussed the issue of hostages in Gaza with Netanyahu, also stated that Macron said Israel has the right to defend itself and that "France stands in solidarity with the country in its fight against terrorism."