Paris, Aug 13 – French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticized Israel’s plan to expand its military operations into Gaza City, calling it a “disaster waiting to happen.” Speaking from Paris, Macron also proposed forming an international coalition under a United Nations mandate to stabilize the conflict-stricken region.
“This war must end now with a permanent ceasefire,” Macron said. “Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City risks creating a catastrophe of unprecedented scale, locking the region into a cycle of permanent war.”
Last week, Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City, broadening its military campaign in the Palestinian territory, a move that has drawn widespread criticism both within Israel and across the world.
Macron expressed deep concern for civilians caught in the crossfire. “Israeli hostages and the people of Gaza will continue to bear the heaviest burden of this strategy,” he said, warning that the planned expansion “heralds a disaster of historic proportions.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the operations. During a press briefing, he insisted that Israel is “applying force judiciously” and stressed that the country must “finish the job” against Hamas. Netanyahu noted that Israel currently controls about 70 to 75 percent of Gaza militarily, with Gaza City and the central Al Mawasi camps remaining under resistance control.
Macron, meanwhile, highlighted the urgent need for a UN-mandated stabilization mission to protect civilians, secure Gaza, and support Palestinian governance. “The Security Council must act now to establish this mission,” he said. “I have instructed our teams to work immediately with our partners to make this happen.”
The French president’s call builds on his recognition of a Palestinian state last month, a move that prompted several other countries, including Britain and Canada, to follow suit. The proposed UN mission would focus on safeguarding civilians and creating conditions for long-term stability in Gaza.
