Deutsche Welle

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip, saying only a ceasefire can secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages.

"The ordeal the civilian populations of Gaza are going through must end," Macron wrote on X after a phone call to Netanyahu on Tuesday. He also called for opening all humanitarian aid crossings into Gaza.

The United Nations has warned that Gaza`s humanitarian crisis is worsening, with no aid deliveries entering for weeks.

Macron also reiterated that France remains committed to the release of all hostages and the demilitarization of Hamas. He expressed hope for a ceasefire, renewed humanitarian access, and progress toward a political two-state solution.

The French president said the ceasefire was the only way to ensure the liberation of further hostages.

On Monday, Hamas said Israel had proposed a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half the hostages.
According to a Hamas official, Israel also demanded disarmament—something the group called a "red line."

Last week, Macron raised tensions with Israel by suggesting France may recognize a Palestinian state at a UN conference in June. Israel has said such recognition is premature.

Macron argues that French recognition could encourage others to do the same — and potentially persuade states that do not currently recognize Israel to shift their stance.

A statement from Netanyahu`s office said the Israeli prime minister expressed to the French president his "strong opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, stating that it would be a huge reward for terrorism."