French President condemns Israeli plans for Rafah Operation, calls forced displacement a war crime

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans for a military operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, labeling forced displacement as a "war crime."

The condemnation came during a phone call between Macron and Netanyahu, as confirmed by the French presidency in a statement on Sunday.

Macron reiterated his plea for an immediate and sustainable cease-fire in Gaza and expressed concerns regarding ongoing Israeli operations near the Al-Shifa hospital, which Israel claims to be a Hamas command center.

"The president once again expressed his firm opposition to an offensive on Rafah," the statement read.

"He recalled that the forced displacement of populations is a war crime in terms of international law, and Gaza’s future can only be decided in the framework of the creation of a future Palestinian state and under the responsibility of the Palestinian authority."

Macron urged Israel to unconditionally and promptly open all land crossing borders to Gaza. He also appealed for Israel to avoid escalation in Jerusalem and the West Bank during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Macron condemned recent Israeli announcements regarding settlements, branding them as contrary to international law.

He announced France's intention to submit a new draft resolution to the UN Security Council, calling for an immediate and durable cease-fire and laying the groundwork for a political resolution to the conflict.

Source: Newsroom