Macron calls on Israel: Stop the killing of civilians in Gaza. Netanyahu reacts: Condemn Hamas

"While we recognize Israel's right to defend itself, we call on them to stop the bombing of Gaza." This is what French President Emmanuel Macron said in a recent interview given to the BBC. He stressed the need to stop the killing of babies and women in Gaza. Also. Macron said that France condemns the terrorist actions of Hamas. France, like Israel, the US, Great Britain and other Western countries, consider Hamas a terrorist organization.

Asked if he wanted other leaders, including in the US and UK, to join his calls for a ceasefire, he replied: "I hope they will."

Israel says it attacks military targets in accordance with international law and takes steps to reduce civilian casualties, such as issuing warnings before attacks and calling on people to evacuate.

Speaking at a humanitarian aid conference in Paris on the war in Gaza, Macron said that "the clear conclusion of all the governments and agencies present at that summit was that there is no alternative but first a humanitarian pause, going to a ceasefire , which will allow us to protect… all civilians who have nothing to do with terrorists."

"De facto - today, civilians are bombed - de facto. These babies, these ladies, these old people have been bombed and killed. So there is no reason for it and no legitimacy. So we call on Israel to stop.” He said it was not his role to judge whether international law had been violated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly responded to Macron's comments, saying nations should condemn Hamas, not Israel. "The crimes that Hamas is committing today in Gaza will be committed tomorrow in Paris, New York and everywhere in the world," said a statement from Netanyahu's office. (A2 Televizion)