Ramallah: In a meeting with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for a complete ceasefire in Gaza. The meeting took place at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, according to a report from news agency.
President Abbas strongly condemned the loss of civilian lives on both sides and urged the release of civilians, prisoners, and detainees on both sides of the conflict. He also firmly rejected the displacement of Palestinians from their homes and lands, whether in Gaza, the West Bank, or Jerusalem.
Emmanuel Macron emphasized the crucial importance of protecting civilians in Gaza. He expressed his commitment to securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, including nine French nationals.
The recent conflict began when Hamas militants initiated a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory, resulting in the seizure of numerous hostages. According to Hamas, there were 200 to 250 captives held in Gaza.
In response to these events, Israel launched extensive airstrikes and imposed punitive measures, including a siege on Gaza that led to the cutoff of essential supplies like water, electricity, and fuel. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has, unfortunately, claimed the lives of nearly 5,800 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and over 1,400 people in Israel.