French President Emmanuel Macron, on Thursday, said that France would 'do everything' to ensure the dozens of hostages held by the militant group in Palestine, Hamas are released. "I want to say that we will do everything to ensure that these hostages, whatever their nationality, are released," he said in an address to the nation, adding that France would work to this end both with "our partners" and the Israeli authorities, AFP reported.
“France won't abandon its children,” Macron said. At least 13 French citizens have been killed in the attack by Hamas, 17 adults and children are missing and some of them are 'without doubt' being held hostage. Families of the French citizens being held hostage urged the president to help secure their release.
After Hamas launched an attack on Israel with close to 3,000 rockets on Saturday, Macron said, Israel had the right to defend itself "by eliminating terrorist groups, including Hamas, with targeted actions but preserving the civilian population,” and added that France remained committed to a two state solution to the conflict. He also said that a war with no end was not the solution.
Macron said 582 religious and cultural facilities in the country are being provided added police protection-- the country has large Jewish and Muslim communities. France also has thousands of nations with dual citizenship living in Israel. French anti-terror prosecutors on Thursday said they had opened a terrorism probe into the attack by Hamas on Israel, AFP reported.
"Fighting terrorism cannot replace the search for peace. The conditions for a lasting peace are known: Indispensable security guarantees for Israel and a state for Palestinians," Macron told Reuters. Anne-Claire Legendre, who formerly served as the Consul General of France in the United States said that France has no solid proof that links Iranian support for the Hamas attacking Israel.
