Three underage French citizens released from Hamas captivity
Three young French citizens have been released from Hamas captivity, Macron confirms release
Three young French citizens were released from Hamas captivity following negotiations between this Palestinian group and Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed their release on Monday evening.
The released included 12-year-olds Eitan and Erez, as well as 16-year-old Sahar.
Macron expressed his joy at this news and assured of his readiness to continue working towards the release of the remaining hostages.
Recently during his visit to Israel, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed Iran, "Hezbollah", the Houthis from Yemen, and other groups in the region, calling for them to avoid new military conflicts with Israel. This statement was made at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Macron emphasized the danger of unforeseen risks associated with such conflicts.
During the visit, Macron met with relatives of Hamas kidnapping victims and held talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, discussing the tragedy of October 7th when 39 French citizens became victims of Hamas. He condemned the use of human lives for political purposes and expressed confidence in the necessity of international cooperation in combating terrorism, reaffirming support for Israel.
Before the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Israel, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne spoke before the National Assembly.
She expressed France's solidarity with Israel following the large-scale terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th, but also called for Israel to act responsibly, adhering to international law and avoiding reactions to Hamas provocations.
Borne also emphasized the importance of maintaining friendly relations between France and both Israel and the Palestinians, expressing France's independent position in regional conflicts. She supported Israel's right to self-defense but also advocated for a temporary cessation of military actions to provide humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
France allocated 10 million euros to help the Palestinians through the UN and, in response to criticism, Borne emphasized France's commitment to helping the civilian population of Gaza and countering misinformation, including statements from Russia, confirming support for the UN humanitarian resolution proposed by Brazil.