French President Emmanuel Macron has stepped up international pressure on Israel, urging it to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Macron made the statement during his visit to Arish, Egypt, a key logistical hub for humanitarian efforts aimed at Gaza, according to AFP and TASR.
Accompanied by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Macron visited hospitals in Arish and met with injured and ill Palestinian civilians who had been evacuated from Gaza. His office confirmed that the visit aimed to encourage Israel to reopen border crossings and allow the resumption of critical aid shipments.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The border must be reopened for life-saving supplies,” Macron’s office stated.
Israel initially suspended aid deliveries in early March after failed ceasefire negotiations with the militant group Hamas, and later resumed military operations, including airstrikes and ground incursions.
Medical staff in Arish reported treating over 1,200 wounded Palestinians since the start of the conflict, which began with the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
“Some days we receive 100 patients, others 50,” said a local doctor. “Many have lost limbs or sustained serious eye and brain injuries.”
Macron’s visit signals growing European concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for sustained international aid access.
For ongoing updates on Middle East diplomacy and humanitarian relief, visit LiveWorldUpdates.com.
Hashtags:
#MacronGazaVisit #HumanitarianAidGaza #IsraelPalestineCrisis #LiveWorldUpdates