French President Wants International Coalition Against Hamas

Mr Macron did not give details of how the US-led coalition of dozens of countries, of which Israel is not a member, might participate. However, his advisers have said that the coalition’s involvement does not necessarily mean ground deployments and could include intelligence sharing.

Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Mr Macron stressed that France and Israel share terrorism as their "common enemy".

French President wants international coalition against Hamas image 1 — French President Emmanuel Macron (left) meets with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on October 24, 2023. Photo: Reuters

“France is ready to join the international coalition against Daesh (Islamic State), in which we are participating in operations in Iraq and Syria to fight against Hamas,” he told reporters.

Mr Macron, who has warned of the risk of regional conflict, also said the fight against Hamas “must be ruthless but not without rules”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not comment directly on Macron's proposal but said the war was between the "axis of evil" and the "free world ".

“This battle is not just ours… it is everyone’s battle,” he said. The US-led coalition against the Islamic State was formed in September 2014.

Mr Macron's office said France was ready to discuss with Israel and its partners possible measures against Hamas.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)

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