Civilian Casualties Mount...World Leaders Urge Israel to "Cease Bombing"

Macron, Biden and Others Urge in Succession

Israel, which is waging war against the Palestinian armed group Hamas, has increased civilian casualties significantly as it deploys full military power in the Gaza Strip. In response, world leaders are urging Israel to halt bombings and pursue a ceasefire to protect civilians.

On the 10th (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron pointed out the lack of legitimacy in Israel's bombings during an interview with BBC at the ?lys?e Palace in France.

He emphasized, "In fact, civilians are currently being bombed, with babies, women, and the elderly being killed," adding, "There is no reason or justification for this, so we urge Israel to stop."

President Macron stated, "We share Israel's pain and their determination to eliminate terrorism," but criticized the bombing of civilians in the Gaza Strip as unjustifiable. He said, "As democratic countries, it is important to uphold principles," and added, "For Israel's security in the mid to long term, it is crucial to recognize that every life is precious."

The previous day in Paris, under President Macron's hosting, Western and Arab countries, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations gathered to discuss the Gaza Strip situation. However, no concrete solutions emerged as the gap between Israel and the Arab camp's positions remained wide.

When asked if he hoped other Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom would join the call for a ceasefire, President Macron answered affirmatively. However, he drew a line regarding judging whether Israel violated international law. He explained, "I am not a judge but a head of state, so it is not right to criticize Israel, my partner and friend, in this way just one month after Hamas's attack," adding, "That said, I do not agree that Israel's best way to protect itself is large-scale bombings in the Gaza Strip, which only create anger and bad feelings that will prolong the conflict."

Other Western leaders are also urging Israel to protect civilians. According to major foreign media, U.S. President Joe Biden exchanged views with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on protecting civilians in the Gaza Strip. The White House stated, "In responding to Hamas's heinous terrorist attack on October 7 last month, we discussed the importance of a humanitarian approach and protecting civilians under international humanitarian law."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is touring Middle Eastern and Indo-Pacific countries, also emphasized at a press conference held in New Delhi, India, that "too many Palestinians have died and suffered," and stressed, "Much more must be done to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian aid reaches them."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.