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Macron urges UN-led mission in Gaza amid Israeli military escalation
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called Israel's plans to intensify its military campaign in Gaza a 'catastrophe waiting to happen' and suggested forming an international coalition to manage the territory under a UN mandate.
In a decision that garnered harsh domestic and international condemnation, Israel's security cabinet this week approved a plan to seize control of Gaza City, expanding its military operations in the broken Palestinian territory.
'The Israeli cabinet's announcement of an expansion of its operations in Gaza City and the Mawasi camps and for a re-occupation heralds a disaster of unprecedented gravity waiting to happen and of a drift towards a never-ending war,' said Macron, in remarks sent by his office to reporters.
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'The Israeli hostages and the people of Gaza will continue to be the primary victims of this strategy,' added Macron.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He claimed Israel is 'applying force judiciously' in response to foreign criticism during a press conference on Sunday.
By suggesting a UN-mandated mission in Gaza, Macron is attempting to capitalise on the momentum generated by his recognition of a Palestinian state last month, which sparked a chain reaction of recognitions with Britain and Canada following suit.
According to Macron, the UN mission will be responsible for safeguarding people, securing the Gaza Strip, and assisting with an unidentified Palestinian government. He stated that the mission should be established by the UN Security Council.
'I have asked my teams to work on that with our partners without delay,' he added.
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