Macron says fighting terror does not mean ‘to flatten Gaza’

By AFP 20 December 2023, 11:51 pm

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French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a press conference after a joint cabinet meeting of the German and French Government in Hamburg, Germany, October 10, 2023. (Markus Schreiber/AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron says that fighting terrorism does not mean “to flatten Gaza,” referring to Israel’s response to an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants on October 7.

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

He calls 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 says France calls for the protection of civilians and “a truce leading to a humanitarian ceasefire.”