AMN / WEB DESK

French President Emmanuel Macron today expressed solidarity with Israel amid its continued bombardment of the Gaza Strip. In a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron added that France and Israel share a common enemy in defeating terrorism.

He said stability in the Middle East will only be possible if Israel allows for a political approach. The Frech President is also expected to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. 

Macron is not the only leader visited Israel before him other leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy also gave their full support to Israel.

Meanwhile, Palestinian health ministry has said that the death toll in Israel-Gaza war has risen to over 5,000 which includes over 2,000 children while other fifteen thousand have been injured. Israel today confirmed it had killed dozens of Hamas fighters overnight in strikes on Gaza but added that its war to destroy them will take time.

In a statement, Israeli President Isaac Herzog today said, Israel does not want a war with militant group Hezbollah, but Lebanon will pay the price if the two countries are pitted into such an altercation.

According to media reports, Hamas will release another 50 hostages. Red Cross representatives are reportedly on their way to Gaza to take custody of the hostages. In another development, US President Joe Biden has said that any discussions about a Gaza ceasefire could only take place if Hamas frees all hostages seized from Israel.

The United Nations has urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, trapped in a humanitarian crisis. The UN said fuel is still blocked which is crucial to save the lives of people and run hospitals.