French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israeli strikes on Gaza during a recent discussion. They plan to co-chair a conference on a two-state solution and emphasized the importance of a ceasefire for civilian safety. The leaders also touched on peace initiatives for Ukraine and the situations in Syria and Lebanon, underlining their commitment to regional stability.
On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned the renewed Israeli strikes on Gaza during their conversation. They agreed to co-chair a conference aiming to promote a two-state solution, which they hope will revitalize political discussions for both Israelis and Palestinians. Macron emphasized that extending the ceasefire is crucial for hostages’ release and civilian protection, highlighting the urgency of addressing Gaza’s future.
The Israeli military resumed ground operations in central and southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 48 Palestinians, while previous airstrikes on the preceding day claimed over 400 lives, marking one of the conflict’s deadliest escalations since October 2023. This escalation disrupted a ceasefire that had persisted since January 2023.
Macron also expressed support for the crown prince’s Jeddah initiative, which facilitated the commencement of peace negotiations in Ukraine. Additionally, the leaders discussed shared interests regarding the situations in Syria and Lebanon, affirming their commitment to a fully sovereign Lebanon and a stable, united Syria that pursues an inclusive transition.
Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are actively seeking ways to address the ongoing crises in Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, and Lebanon through diplomatic solutions. Their joint efforts in framing a two-state solution and initiating Ukraine peace talks underscore their commitment to regional stability and humanitarian concerns. Continued collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia is critical for achieving these objectives.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
