Macron Suggests Israel Would Need a Decade to Eliminate Hamas, Advocates Ceasefire and Two-State Negotiations

French President Emmanuel Macron once again voiced criticism of Israel’s military actions against the Islamist Hamas group in the Gaza Strip, asserting that it would take a decade to completely eradicate the organization from the region. While attending the United Nations climate change conference in Dubai, Macron questioned Israel’s objective of eliminating Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007 and was responsible for the October 7th attacks in Israel.

In response to these attacks and the breaking of a seven-day truce by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to achieve a “total victory” over Hamas, aiming to eliminate the terror threat in Gaza. Macron, expressing skepticism about this approach, suggested that if the goal is to completely eradicate Hamas, the war could extend for ten years. He urged Jerusalem to clarify its objective to avoid an “endless war.”

Macron also raised concerns about Israel’s military tactics, stating that responding to a terrorist group should not involve targeting an entire territory or civilian capacity through extensive bombing. He emphasized the importance of a strategic and measured response against terrorism rather than systematic and permanent bombing.

Highlighting the potential risk to Israel’s sustainable security if military actions result in Palestinian casualties and regional resentment, Macron called for redoubled efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire. He emphasized the need to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas and provide urgent aid to the people of Gaza to address their humanitarian needs.

Netanyahu Rebukes Macron over ‘Babies and Women’: Hamas, not Israel, Causes Civilian Casualtieshttps://t.co/Itr8cTN9gz

— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) November 11, 2023

The French leader reiterated his call for negotiations on a two-state solution, despite consistent rejection by Islamist Palestinian leaders over the decades. Macron emphasized the importance of restoring Israel’s security while addressing the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians through the promise of two states. He stated that a security approach without political resolution fuels long-term resentments and highlighted the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to have a state.

Macron’s previous assertion that Israel was intentionally causing harm in Gaza had led to tension with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who emphasized that responsibility for civilian harm lies with Hamas, not Israel. Netanyahu urged global leaders to condemn Hamas-ISIS rather than Israel.

Over the weekend, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan echoed Macron’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution to resolve Gaza-related issues. Erdoğan, also present at the climate summit in Dubai, refused to distance his government from Hamas, asserting that he would never accept Hamas as a terrorist group despite pressure from NATO allies.

Turkey’s Erdogan Rejects U.S. Pressure to Cut Ties with Hamas Terroristshttps://t.co/Kkqc2B77Sx

— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) December 2, 2023