He is expected to propose a peace process, including guaranteeing Israel’s security.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Israel, where conflict continues with the Palestinian armed faction Hamas.
According to France 24 and Al Jazeera, President Macron arrived in Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel, on the morning of the 24th (local time). After Hamas’ raid on Israel on the 7th, leaders of major countries, including U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, visited the site.
As his first step upon arriving in Israel, President Macron met with the families of Israeli and French nationals who died in the conflict or were kidnapped by Hamas at Ben Gurion Airport. He said through his social media X (formerly Twitter) account, “I expressed national solidarity.”
According to him, the number of local French compatriots who died after this incident reached 30. In addition, there are currently nine French nationals detained by Hamas or missing. President Macron said, “We are connected to Israel during this period of mourning.”
France 24 selected hostages, talks, and the peace process as the main agenda during President Macron’s visit to Israel. In relation to this, President Macron plans to hold a joint press conference at 1 PM (7 PM Korean time) after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
It is known that President Macron will also speak about the danger of the spread of conflict in the region. In relation to this, this visit took place in a situation where local clashes between the Iranian-backed armed group Hezbollah and Israel continue on the border with northern Lebanon.
According to reports, during his visit, President Macron is expected to propose a peace process aimed at partially recognizing the status of Palestine in exchange for security guarantees for Israel from regional powers. France does not recognize Palestine as a state.
It is reported that President Macron will meet with Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog in addition to Prime Minister Netanyahu. Some French media predicted that President Macron would visit neighboring Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon and Egypt after completing his visit to Israel.
Meanwhile, according to Al Jazeera, the number of Palestinian deaths in the Gaza Strip as of this day exceeded 5,000. The number of deaths on the Israeli side is still around 1,400. In the West Bank, which is administered by the Palestinian Authority (PA), 96 people have been reported dead so far.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.