France proposes to establish an international coalition to deal with Hamas

French President Macron suggested that the international coalition fighting IS in Iraq and Syria could expand its target to Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

"France is ready to let the international coalition against Daesh, which we are participating in campaigns in Iraq and Syria, expand to deal with Hamas," French President Emmanuel Macron said at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem today, referring to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS).

Mr. Macron did not specify how the international coalition would deal with Hamas.

Western nations formed a US-led coalition in September 2014 to support their local partners in Iraq and Syria in defeating IS. IS once controlled large areas in the two countries and declared its own Islamic state. The extremist group has suffered numerous defeats from separate campaigns by the international coalition and the Syrian army, backed by Russia.

After losing its last stronghold in Syria in March 2019, IS remnants retreated into the desert, occasionally organizing small-scale raids.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks in Jerusalem on October 24. Photo: AFP — French President Emmanuel Macron speaks in Jerusalem on October 24. Photo: *AFP*

Macron arrived in Israel today to show France's support for the country in its conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. At a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog earlier, the Elysee chief said France would "stand shoulder to shoulder" with Israel, while warning of the risk of regional conflict.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said the Israeli army would destroy Hamas in the war in the Gaza Strip, but added that the fighting could be prolonged.

Mr Macron is the next Western leader to visit Israel, following the US, Britain, Germany and Italy. He is also expected to travel to the West Bank to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Mr Abbas's office said the meeting would take place in Ramallah.

President Abbas's Fatah movement in the West Bank is internationally recognized as the official Palestinian authority. Meanwhile, Hamas controls the Gaza Strip and is politically and strategically opposed to the government in the West Bank.

The Israel - Hamas war situation. Graphics: CNN — The Israel - Hamas war situation. Graphics: *CNN*

The Hamas-Israel conflict broke out on October 7 when the armed group controlling the Gaza Strip suddenly launched a surprise attack on Israel, forcing the country to respond. After more than 17 days, the war between Hamas and Israel has left more than 6,400 people dead and about 20,000 injured on both sides.

Israel has tightened its blockade, deployed tens of thousands of troops to the border with the Gaza Strip and ordered more than a million people in the north of the region to evacuate to the south. The Israeli military announced it was preparing to launch a counter-operation against Hamas, but did not say when it would begin.

Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, AFP )

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