DUBAI: French President Emmanuel Macron announced a visit to Qatar on Saturday with the aim of reviving a truce between Israel and Hamas.
Speaking at a press conference during the Cop28 climate summit in Dubai, Macron stated his intent to “try to engage for a new truce that could lead to a ceasefire.” He emphasized the need for increased efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire amid the ongoing Israeli brutalities in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Negotiators from Israel’s Mossad spy agency were recalled from truce talks in Qatar by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing an “impasse” in the discussions. Macron expressed doubt about Israel’s goal of destroying Hamas, stating that such an objective could prolong the conflict for a decade.
“We are at a moment when Israeli authorities must more precisely define their objectives and their final goal,” Macron remarked. He highlighted the need for Israel to consider the consequences of its actions on Palestinian lives and regional public opinion, stating that lasting security for Israel cannot be achieved at the cost of Palestinian lives.
Expressing concern over the situation, Macron urged intensified efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. He called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas, the immediate delivery of essential aid to Gaza, and ensuring Israel’s security.
Over 15,207 Palestinians Killed in Israel’s Attacks in Gaza
The seven-day truce between Israel and Hamas, which allowed for the release of hostages and the entry of aid into Gaza, ended on Friday morning. The collapse of the truce has led to renewed efforts to find a resolution to the conflict. The US attributed the breakdown of the ceasefire to Hamas’s failure to provide a list of hostages for release on Friday.
Approximately 1.7 million people in Gaza, constituting around 80% of the population, have been displaced due to relentless Israeli bombardment over eight weeks, according to the UN. The dire conditions have led to shortages of food, water, and essentials, with many homes destroyed, prompting UN agencies to declare a humanitarian catastrophe.
Following the expiration of the truce on Friday, Israel blocked the entry of aid convoys into Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. However, aid began to reach Gaza on Saturday, with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society confirming the arrival of 50 trucks carrying assistance.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 15,200 Palestinian casualties, with 70% being women and children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. On Friday alone, nearly 200 people were killed in Israeli bombardments, prompting evacuation orders for residents in the north and south of Gaza.
