French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte are scheduled to visit Israel this week, according to the Israeli prime minister’s office. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Macron, Rutte, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez over the phone. Macron and Rutte will arrive on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, and will meet with Netanyahu during their visit. The Israeli prime minister expressed his gratitude to the Western leaders for their support in defending Israel against Hamas’s terrorism, stating that Israel’s victory over Hamas would be a victory for the entire world.
The Elysee Palace has yet to confirm Macron’s visit, but the French president had previously mentioned his intention to visit Israel in the coming days. Sanchez, on the other hand, confirmed his phone conversation with Netanyahu and reiterated his condemnation of Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. He emphasized the importance of abiding by international and humanitarian laws in self-defense. Sanchez called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and advocated for the protection of all civilians in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He also emphasized the need for sufficient and sustained humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
The visits by Macron and Rutte indicate international support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks by Hamas. These leaders’ engagements with Netanyahu and their expressed solidarity highlight the significance of addressing the ongoing conflict’s humanitarian aspects. The discussions are expected to cover topics such as the release of hostages, protection of civilians, and the provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The visits may also strengthen diplomatic ties between Israel, France, and the Netherlands, as they face the challenges posed by Hamas.
