The French official’s statements come against the backdrop of Netanyahu’s criticism of Macron: “Israel can and must do more to refrain from targeting Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” and Macron remains “steadfast in his support for Israel since the first day of the war.”

A French political official said that he rejects criticism directed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to French President Emmanuel Macron, who called on Israel to stop killing women and children in the Gaza Strip, while Netanyahu considered that Macron “is committing a catastrophic mistake in this matter, in terms of facts and morally as well”.

The French official indicated that Macron “has not changed his position” regarding the war launched by Israel on Gaza, considering it a war against the Hamas movement, and that the French President believes that “Israel can and must do more to refrain from targeting Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” as reported in Haaretz newspaper today, Sunday.

The French official added that a humanitarian truce must be followed by a ceasefire in order to allow the transfer of aid to the citizens of Gaza in parallel with the liberation of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas.

The French official continued that Macron remains "solid in his support for Israel since the first day of the war," and that during the Hamas attack, on October 7, 40 French citizens were killed and that the movement captured eight others or they are described as missing, "and France is a partner in Israel's mourning and pain."

He said that Macron was "the first international leader to propose forming an international coalition, similar to the one that fought ISIS, through security coordination and intelligence cooperation against regional terrorist organizations." He added, "Macron reiterated that Israel will not be alone in the fight against terrorism," and that Macron believes that "a political initiative is a necessity in order to create long-term stability."

The French official added that Macron believes that Israel must respect international law, and that “its right to defend itself does not exist without laws. The French president does not believe that Israeli forces are deliberately targeting civilians. He is aware of Israel’s efforts to refrain from significant harm and allow humanitarian corridors.” But he believes that more can be done about the difficult humanitarian situation among the civilian population in Gaza.”

He added that from Macron's point of view, "humanitarian truces and then a ceasefire will allow the transfer of much-needed aid to the civilian population in Gaza."