France's Emmanuel Macron condemns Israel's Gaza plan as path to ‘permanent war'
Mr Macron on Monday (Tuesday AEST) said the Gaza conflict 'must end now with a permanent ceasefire', and that Israel's plan to take full control of the enclave in a bid to force Hamas to hand over Israeli hostages was 'a disaster of unprecedented gravity and a headlong rush into permanent war'.
'Israeli hostages and the people of Gaza will continue to be the primary victims of this strategy,' Mr Macron said.
Benjamin Netanyahu defended the plan on Sunday, saying Israel has no choice but to finish the job. Picture: AFP
French President Emmanuel Macron says Israel's plan is a path to permanent war. Picture: AFP
Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu defended the plan, saying 'Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.'
'We have about 70 to 75 percent of Gaza under Israeli control, military control,' he said.
'But we have two remaining strongholds, OK? These are Gaza City and the central camps in Al Mawasi.'
Italy also came out to condemn Israel with its defence minister saying Israel's government had 'lost its reason and humanity', while British PM Keir Starmer said he was 'gravely concerned' about the targeting of media personnel after prominent Al-Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif and four of his colleagues were killed by the IDF in Gaza.
The pressure on Israel comes as Australia announced it would recognise Palestine statehood in a move Anthony Albanese said would add to the 'momentum' for a permanent peace, despite warnings it would embolden and reward terrorist group Hamas.
Shortly before Mr Albanese confirmed Australia would move on Palestinian recognition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the prospect as 'shameful'.
Mr Netanyahu said an independent Palestine 'won't bring peace, it will bring war'.
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Originally published as France's Emmanuel Macron condemns Israel's Gaza takeover plan as path to 'permanent war'
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