Fighting Hamas does not mean ‘to flatten Gaza’ – Macron

Fighting Hamas does not mean “to flatten Gaza,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview on Wednesday.

“We cannot let the idea take root that an efficient fight against terrorism implies to flatten Gaza or attack civilian populations indiscriminately,” Macron told the France 5 broadcaster.

The president also called on Israel “to stop this response because it is not appropriate, because all lives are worth the same and we defend them.”

Macron acknowledged Israel’s “right to defend itself,” however, he also said France called for the protection of civilians and “a truce leading to a humanitarian ceasefire.”

The Israeli aggression on Gaza killed more than 20,000 civilians.