French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman strongly condemned Israel’s renewed airstrikes against the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza during a conversation on Wednesday.
“A return to the ceasefire is essential for the release of all hostages and the protection of civilians,” Macron wrote in an X post about the talk.
The French president praised Riyadh’s diplomatic efforts in developing a framework for the Gaza Strip.
“I welcomed the work carried out by Saudi Arabia with its Arab partners on a credible framework for the day after in Gaza, which must serve as the basis for discussions,” Macron wrote.
He said that such initiatives are essential in shaping a sustainable political solution for the region, adding that Paris remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring stability and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Macron announced that he and Prince Mohammed would co-chair a conference planned for June focused on a two-state solution, saying that the initiative aims to “help revive a political perspective for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Macron also expressed support for Mohammed’s Jeddah initiative, which facilitated the start of peace negotiations in Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed Syria and Lebanon, with Macron stressing that “France and Saudi Arabia share the same objectives: a fully sovereign Lebanon and a united, stable Syria engaged in an inclusive transition.”
Meanwhile, Israel resumed military operations in Gaza earlier this week after Hamas rejected U.S.-backed ceasefire extension proposals. The operation, dubbed “Strength and Sword,” began with a wave of heavy airstrikes across the enclave, targeting Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed on Wednesday that its ground forces had regained control of parts of the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic area dividing northern and southern Gaza. The IDF also placed soldiers from the Golani Infantry Brigade on standby for operations.
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning, vowing “total destruction” unless the remaining 59 hostages were returned and Hamas was removed from power.
“The first Sinwar destroyed Gaza,” Katz said in a Hebrew-language message to Gaza’s residents, referencing the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. “The second Sinwar will completely destroy it,” the minister continued, referencing Yahya’s brother Mohammed, who has led Hamas in the Gaza Strip since Israel killed Yahya om Oct. 16, 2024.
Katz stressed that the airstrikes were only the beginning, warning, “The continuation will be much harder; you will pay the full price.”
He urged Gazans to take action: “Return the hostages and remove Hamas—the alternative is complete destruction and devastation. If all Israeli hostages are not released and Hamas is not eliminated, Israel will act with forces you have never encountered before.”
Katz concluded with a direct appeal: “Take the advice of the U.S. president. Return the hostages, remove Hamas, and other options will be open to you—including the possibility of leaving for other countries for those who wish.
“The alternative,” he reiterated, “is total destruction and devastation.”