Macron Reminds Israeli PM Of Forced Transfer In Gaza Is A War Crime

Bad luck UNRWA/Refuges' condition in Gaza queue for food

JAKARTA - The forced transfer of residents is a war crime, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is planning a military operation in the southern city of Rafah Gaza to achieve a "total victory" over the Palestinian group Hamas.

This was conveyed by Macron to Netanyahu by telephone, according to a French presidential statement on Sunday, March 24.

Macron repeated his call for an immediate long-term ceasefire in Gaza, and expressed concern over the ongoing operations carried out by Israeli forces around the Al-Shifa hospital Israel claims as Hamas command center.

"President Macron once again expressed his rejection of the attack on Rafah," the statement was reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Tuesday, March 26.

He reminded that forced transfer of population is a war crime under international law, and Gaza's future can only be determined within the framework of future Palestinian state formation and under the responsibility of Palestinian authorities.

Macron urges Israel to open all land routes crossing the border into Gaza unconditionally and delays

He also asked Israel to avoid any escalation in Jerusalem and the West Bank during the holy month of Ramadan.

The president also firmly condemned Israel's recent announcement of settlements, which are against international law, the statement said.

Macron noted France plans to submit a new draft resolution to the UN Security Council to call for an immediate and long-term ceasefire and to establish a basis for political solutions to the conflict.

Israel has launched military attacks in the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas that killed about 1,200 Israelis.

More than 32,200 Palestinians have been killed and more than 74,500 injured in addition to causing mass destruction, evacuations and shortages of basic necessities.

Israel is accused of committing genocide at the International Court, which in a temporary decision in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocide and take action that ensures humanitarian aid is provided to civilians in Gaza.

Israel is considering a land invasion of Rafah, and is also drafting an evacuation plan for nearly 1.5 million Palestinians seeking refuge in Gaza's southernmost city.