Emmanuel Macron insisted, Friday, May 14, on "the urgency of a return to peace" in the Middle East, stressing during an interview with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the "right to defend oneself" of 'Israel while saying "its concern about the civilian populations in Gaza".

Continuing his contacts "to put an end to the escalation of violence in the Middle East", the head of state had an interview with Benjamin Netanyahu to whom he "offered his condolences" for the victims of the shootings "claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups "which it has" once again strongly condemned, "the Elysee said in a statement.

Yesterday with the President of the Palestinian Authority, today with the Israeli Prime Minister, President @EmmanuelMacron continues his discussions to put an end to the escalation of violence in the Middle East.https: //t.co/qN0UYsOyhx

- Elysee (@Elysee) May 14, 2021

"France will take its full share"

"On this anniversary of the creation of the State of Israel, the President of the Republic reiterated his unwavering attachment to the security of Israel and its right to defend itself in accordance with international law", added the 'Elysium.

Stressing "the urgency of a return to peace", Emmanuel Macron, who spoke Thursday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, also told Benjamin Netanyahu "of his concern about the civilian populations in Gaza".

"France will take its full part in the meeting of the United Nations Security Council to be held this Sunday" at 2 pm to address the conflict, the statement added.

Since Monday, the start of a new round of violence, 119 Palestinians, including 31 children, have been killed in the Gaza Strip, and 830 people have been injured, according to local authorities.

In Israel, where the Iron Dome missile shield intercepted around 90% of the nearly 1,800 rockets fired this week, the death toll rose to nine dead and hundreds injured.

With AFP

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