The need for immediate “humanitarian pause” in Gaza expressed the French President, Emmanuel Macron during his opening speech at the ongoing international humanitarian conference on the civilian population of Gaza, adding that in order to do this a ceasefire should be pushed. He announced at the same time that France will increase its aid to Gaza to 100 million euros.

Although Macron reiterated that Israel “has the right to defend itself and the duty to protect its citizens”reiterated that the Israeli government has also “responsibility (…) to respect the law and protect civilians”. “The fight against terrorism can never be done without rules”he estimated.

“In the immediate future, we must work to protect civilians. To do that, we need a humanitarian pause very quickly and we need to work towards a ceasefire.”he said characteristically.

“Today, it is the citizens of Gaza who are suffering,” he added, assuring that “all lives are equal.”

“Citizens must be protected, this is necessary and non-negotiable and is an immediate need”, he emphasized. “There are no double standards.”

The French president he also called for a two-state solution to the Gaza issue. “Let us show above all that the creation of a Palestinian state serves Israel’s security,” he said.