French president Emmanuel Macron on Thursday condemned the "heinous acts" committed by Israel against Palestinian protesters in the Gaza strip during clashes with rioters on the enclave's border with the Jewish state.
Speaking after a summit gathering European Union leaders and Western Balkans countries, Macron called for peaceful protests, following the violence that took place on Monday
Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinians and 2,700 others were wounded near the Gaza-Israel border during demonstrations against the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, in the bloodiest day in Gaza in years. Hamas, the terrorist group that controls the enclave, later admitted that 50 of the 60 fatalities were its operatives.
Macron also condemned Hamas and "all movements" which have put Israel's security in danger.
"I am very clear, France has condemned these heinous acts – and these civilian casualties – that were committed, particularly on Monday, but that have continued to be a reality in the last few hours," he said.
"In the same way, France has called for peaceful protests when need be and strongly condemned all statements by Hamas and all movements that have endangered Israel's security.
"It is this balance that we are keeping, from the beginning. And therefore there is no indulgence of anyone but a deep attachment to respect for human lives and the security of Israel."
