During a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, French President Emmanuel Macron urged the reduction of civilian casualties amid ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip. The two leaders also touched on the European Union’s approach to sanctions and other restrictive measures aimed at Hamas and related groups, reflecting a broader attempt to align international responses to the crisis. The briefing on these discussions was provided by TASS, the Russian news agency, which summarized Macron’s call as part of a wider EU strategy to influence events in the region.
In a statement issued by the Elysee Palace, it was highlighted that Macron reminded Netanyahu of the EU’s sanctions framework targeting Hamas and of the collective steps taken with international partners to confront terrorist organizations that threaten peace and stability in the area. The emphasis was placed on ensuring that any counterterrorism effort is balanced with protections for civilians and with adherence to international law and human rights norms. The communiqué underscored the French president’s call for a measured approach that prioritizes restraint and careful consideration of the humanitarian impact of military actions.
Macron urged the Israeli leadership to take concrete measures to prevent violence committed by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. The appeal reflected a broader concern about the cycle of violence affecting both communities and a desire to avert further deterioration of the situation on the ground. The French president reiterated the importance of maintaining avenues for dialogue and reducing provocations that could escalate tensions across the region.
Additionally, Macron recalled the need to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which established a ceasefire on the Lebanon-Israel border following the 2006 conflict. The reminder signaled an emphasis on regional stability and the potential lessons drawn from past emergencies in shaping current policy, urging all parties to respect established agreements meant to prevent renewed hostilities and to facilitate humanitarian access where possible.
Earlier, reports indicated that Netanyahu had been away from the public stage amid the renewed Palestinian-Israeli clashes that erupted in October. There were accounts of discussions with U.S. President Joe Biden and attempts to urge Egypt to open its borders and accept Palestinians in Gaza, though some sources indicated Egypt cited security and humanitarian concerns that complicated any unilateral openings. The conversations highlighted the complexity of managing a multifaceted crisis that draws in multiple regional and international actors with varied interests and red lines.
In the broader political landscape, Netanyahu reaffirmed a firm stance against Hamas, signaling an intent to neutralize the organization’s capacity to threaten Israel’s security. Observers noted that the dynamic between leadership in Jerusalem and international partners remains central to shaping the next phase of diplomacy, security operations, and humanitarian relief efforts. The dialogue between Paris and Jerusalem appears to be part of a wider pattern where Western capitals seek to influence strategic decisions through diplomacy, sanctions, and coordinated international pressure while preserving pathways to negotiation where feasible. (Source attribution: TASS; official statements from the Elysee Palace; subsequent reporting from regional and international outlets.)