French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned renewed Israeli strikes on Gaza, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and a two-state solution. They also discussed peace efforts in Ukraine and the political situations in Syria and Lebanon, aligning their goals for regional stability.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently held discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, condemning the renewed Israeli strikes on Gaza. Both leaders expressed their commitment to co-chair a conference focusing on a two-state solution, with the objective of revitalizing political dialogue for Israelis and Palestinians. Macron emphasized that achieving a ceasefire is crucial for ensuring the safety of civilians and the release of hostages.
On the same day, the Israeli military intensified ground operations, impacting central and southern Gaza. Health officials reported that airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 48 Palestinians. This escalation follows a tragic day where over 400 Palestinians lost their lives in airstrikes, marking one of the conflict’s deadliest moments since October 2023, and effectively ending a ceasefire that had persisted since January.
In addition to the Gaza situation, Macron acknowledged the Jeddah initiative proposed by the crown prince, which initiated peace talks regarding Ukraine. Moreover, the discussions covered the situations in Syria and Lebanon. Macron articulated that France and Saudi Arabia share common ambitions for a sovereign Lebanon and a stable, unified Syria engaged in an inclusive transition.
In summary, President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have condemned the escalation of violence in Gaza and committed to advancing a two-state solution. Their dialogue also highlighted the necessity of a ceasefire amidst renewed military operations in the region and extended to collaborative efforts in addressing peace negotiations for Ukraine and stabilizing Syria and Lebanon. These diplomatic movements underscore a shared commitment to fostering regional stability and addressing humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
