President Emmanuel Macron warned Israel again on Wednesday that the fight against terrorism does not mean “total annihilation in Gaza”, reiterating his call for a ceasefire “leading to a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons”, AFP and Agerpres reported.

“In recent weeks, we could not accept the idea that an effective fight against terrorism would mean total destruction in Gaza or indiscriminate attacks on civilians and causing civilian casualties,” the French head of state said in a speech broadcast by France 5.

“That is why, while we recognize Israel’s right to defend itself in the fight against terrorism, we ask for the protection of these people and for a ceasefire leading to a humanitarian ceasefire,” he added.

The French president asked the Israelis to “stop this response because it is inappropriate, since all lives are equal and we protect them.”

He supported France’s “consistent” and “fair” response, while admitting that it “doesn’t satisfy either side.” “I think it corresponds to our diplomatic history,” as well as “our values ​​(and) our interests,” the French president said.

Israel has declared war on Hamas in response to the Islamist movement’s unprecedented attack on its territory on October 7, which left an estimated 1,140 dead, mostly civilians, AFP reported, based on the latest official Israeli figures.

According to Hamas, the Israeli offensive on Gaza has resulted in 20,000 deaths.

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