French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the "urgent need" to deliver "massive humanitarian aid" to the Gaza Strip, which is facing a "catastrophic situation" and "unbearable human losses," the Elysee said on Saturday. Macron also touched on the issues of Lebanon and Syria in a call with the Jordanian king and the Egyptian president.

A statement from the French presidency quoted Macron as saying that "after 15 months of conflict, it has become more urgent than ever to achieve the release of all hostages held by Hamas, to achieve a permanent ceasefire, and to allow large-scale humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza."

The Elysee Palace explained in its statement that Macron made these statements during two phone calls, the first of which he made on Friday with Jordanian King Abdullah II, and the second on Saturday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

The statement quoted Macron as stressing France's "readiness" to continue "joint humanitarian work" with Jordan in order to deliver "aid directly to the Gaza Strip."

Paris and Amman have previously carried out several humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip by air.

Macron also expressed his "desire to work with all regional partners the day after (the end of the war in Gaza) and to effectively implement the two-state solution, especially within the framework of the joint summit that will be organized with Saudi Arabia next June."

On the other hand, the French President stressed to the two Arab leaders that "the fall of Bashar al-Assad represents an opportunity for Syria and the entire region," stressing in particular the need to "protect minorities" and "continue the war against terrorism."

Regarding Lebanon, Macron said it was necessary to "complete the electoral process with the aim of electing a president for the republic."

The presidency of the republic has been vacant in Lebanon for more than two years.

The Lebanese Parliament is scheduled to convene on January 9 to elect a president.