French President Emmanuel Macron, in an interview with the BBC that was broadcast on Friday night, called on Israel to stop the bombing that is killing civilians in Gaza.

“We share (Israel’s) pain. And we share their desire to get rid of terrorism.” But there is “no excuse” for bombing civilians in Gaza, he said, referring to “babies, women and the elderly”.

“De facto – today they are bombing the civilian population. These children, these women, these old people are being bombed and killed. Therefore, there is no reason or legitimacy for this. Therefore, we call on Israel to stop,” the French leader said.

France “unequivocally condemns” the “terrorist” actions of Hamas and, recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself, “we call on them to stop these bombardments” in Gaza, the president said.

He expressed hope that other leaders, including the United States and Britain, would join his calls for a ceasefire. “I hope so.”

However, when called upon to rule on whether Israel was violating international law, Emmanuel Macron emphasized that he was not a “judge” but a “head of state.”

Israel has previously said it does not target civilians and makes every effort to avoid their strikes, accusing Hamas of using civilians as human shields.