Macron urges Netanyahu to open major Gaza crossing
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The French President stresses the importance of achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
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France's President Emmanuel Macron waits to welcome Hungary's prime minister at the Presidential Elysee Palace in Paris, on December 7, 2023. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to open a major crossing to deliver much-needed aid into the Gaza Strip.
The "Kerem Shalom" checkpoint was responsible for 60% of goods getting into the besieged Strip before the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and the Israeli aggression on October 7.
UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths on Thursday claimed he saw promising signs that the "Kerem Shalom" crossing from occupied Palestinian territories into the Gaza Strip might be opened soon to allow in aid.
In a telephone conversation between the two, Macron also spoke of "the need to protect civilians in Gaza and stressed the importance of achieving a lasting ceasefire," said the Elysee.
He added that "Israel must take the necessary measures to put an end to the violence committed by settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank."
The Palestinian Authority confirmed that Israeli occupation forces' gunfire and settler attacks in the occupied West Bank have killed at least 263 Palestinians since October 7.
On Saturday, Macron called for "redoubled efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire," following the end of an initial week-long truce that saw a prisoners exchange deal between the Palestinian Resistance and the Israeli occupation.
He also urged "Israel" to clarify its objective to "destroy Hamas", warning it could take "10 years" of war to achieve.
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