France’s Macron urges Israel to stop bombing and killing civilians in Gaza

Israel must stop bombing Gaza and killing civilians, French President Emmanuel Macron has told British media.

Israel must stop bombing Gaza and killing civilians, French President Emmanuel Macron has told British media.

There was “no legitimacy” for the bombing, Macron told the BBC in an interview published late on Friday, adding that a ceasefire would benefit Israel.

“These babies, these ladies, these old people are bombed and killed,” the French leader said. “So there is no reason for that,” he added. “So we do urge Israel to stop,” he added.

Washington has refused to support calls for a full ceasefire, instead backing short stops in fighting to allow humanitarian aid.

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, which killed at least 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials. The intense bombings and ground assaults by Israel on Gaza have since killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to health officials.

Israel has faced growing calls for restraint, but has said Hamas would take advantage of a ceasefire to bolster its positions.