“Macron suggests broadening anti-terror coalition to include Hamas in Gaza.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has put forward a proposition to expand the international coalition combating the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. He suggested that the coalition’s scope should encompass the fight against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. However, Macron did not delve into the specifics of how this U.S.-led coalition, consisting of numerous countries (excluding Israel), might engage in this broader mission.
While standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Macron emphasized the shared stance of France and Israel in viewing terrorism as their “common enemy.” He articulated his readiness for the international coalition, involved in operations against ISIS, to extend its efforts to combat Hamas, another extremist organization. Macron also underlined the necessity of a relentless fight against Hamas while adhering to established rules.
In response to Macron’s proposal, Prime Minister Netanyahu did not offer a direct comment but characterized the struggle as a battle between the “axis of evil” and “the free world.” He emphasized that this was a global endeavor and not solely an Israeli concern. The U.S.-led coalition, initially formed in September 2014, served as a backdrop for Macron’s suggestions.
Macron’s office clarified that they aimed to draw inspiration from the coalition’s approach and were open to discussions with Israel and other partners regarding strategies against Hamas. The international coalition’s role extended beyond ground operations, encompassing areas such as training Iraqi forces, information sharing among partners, and counterterrorism financing. Tragically, the conflict with Hamas resulted in the loss of thirty French citizens in an attack on southern Israel, which took place on October 7.
The French President expressed the importance of prioritizing the release of nine French hostages and was scheduled to meet regional leaders in Jordan’s capital, Amman. His visit also included a planned meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, West Bank. Macron’s visit took place following the EU foreign ministers’ struggle to reach a consensus on advocating for a “humanitarian pause” in the ongoing conflict.
