In Response to Israeli Officials' Reactions; Macron Says He Does Not Believe Israel Intentionally Targets Civilians

Following the strong reaction of Israeli officials to Emmanuel Macron's remarks in an interview with BBC News, a French source stated that the President of France has never even implicitly suggested that Israel deliberately targets civilians. The Times of Israel reported, citing a diplomat close to the French government: "Macron not only does not believe that Israeli forces intentionally target civilians, but he has consistently described Hamas's use of hostages or civilians as unacceptable extortion." This French diplomat also reiterated Emmanuel Macron's condemnation of Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, adding: "While President Macron is aware of Israel's efforts to prevent collateral damage and facilitate humanitarian access, he has also called for more action in light of the dire humanitarian situation of the civilian population in Gaza." Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, stated in an interview with BBC on Friday that Israel's bombings in Gaza are inhumane and that these attacks must stop immediately. Macron said: "In Gaza, civilians, including innocent women and children, are being killed. These bombings have no legitimacy and must stop immediately." He added: "Israel has the right to defend itself, but this right should not come at the cost of Palestinian civilian lives." In response to Emmanuel Macron's request for a halt to bombings in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hamas is responsible for civilian casualties in this conflict. Netanyahu said in a statement: "Israel does everything to avoid harming civilians, but Hamas uses them as human shields." He added: "Hamas has taken women, children, and the elderly hostage and uses schools, mosques, and hospitals as military bases."