Saudi Arabia And France Will Join Conference On Solutions To Two Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Countries

President Macron with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (Twitter/@HRHMBNSALMAAN)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia and France chaired a conference on the solutions of the two Palestinian-Israeli conflict countries, leaders of the two countries held telephone talks to discuss a number of topics, including recent attacks on the Gaza Strip.

"Her Majesty Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call today from French Republic President Emmanuel Macron," the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported as quoted March 20.

"During the call, they discussed regional developments, which began with the resumption of Israeli aggression in Gaza and efforts to stop attacks and protect civilians," he continued.

In turn, President Macron unveiled plans for a two-state solution conference, condemning Israel's return to attack Gaza, and praising Saudi Arabia's role in efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

President Macron said they would become co-chair of a conference on a two-state solution aimed at "helping revive political perspectives for Israelis and Palestinians", quoted by Reuters.

"The return of the ceasefire is critical to the release of all hostages and the protection of civilians," President Macron said in a post on X, adding the two leaders discussed the need to work together on Gaza's future issues.

The Israeli military on Wednesday resumed ground operations in central and southern Gaza, while the second day of airstrikes killed at least 48 Palestinians, according to local health workers.

The updated ground operation comes a day after more than 400 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes in one of the deadliest episodes since the start of the conflict in October 2023, which devastated a ceasefire largely since January.

Separately, Macron welcomed the Jeddah initiative of the Crown Prince, which allowed peace negotiations to begin in Ukraine.

President Macron added that the two leaders also discussed the situation in Syria and Lebanon.

"France and Saudi Arabia share the same goals: fully sovereign Lebanon and united and stable Syria involved in an inclusive transition," said President Macron.