French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation on Thursday regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, expressing his condolences for the 13 French citizens who lost their lives in Israel.

During his televised speech from the Elysee Palace in Paris on October 12, 2023, Macron urged Israel to respond to the Hamas attack with strength and fairness. He strongly condemned the "blind murderous hatred" and "absolute cruelty" exhibited by the Palestinian militant group.

Macron emphasized Israel's right to defend itself, advocating for the elimination of terrorist groups, including Hamas, through targeted actions while protecting the civilian population. He stressed that the response to terrorism must be both strong and just.

The French President also pledged that France would do everything within its power to secure the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas following the attack. He stated, "I want to say that we will do everything to ensure that these hostages, regardless of their nationality, are released," and mentioned that France would collaborate with its partners and Israeli authorities to achieve this goal. Macron reassured French nationals in Israel of the support provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Macron cautioned against equating the Palestinian cause with the justification of terrorism, emphasizing that such confusion represents a moral, political, and strategic mistake. He reiterated that the fight against terrorism should not replace the pursuit of peace.

In response to concerns within France's Jewish community, Macron called for unity and pledged that "The Republic will be there to protect you." He highlighted the reinforcement of security measures for schools, places of worship, and cultural sites requested on Saturday.

In parallel, France's national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office initiated a preliminary investigation into the Hamas attack in Israel, including murder in connection with a terrorist undertaking. Investigations have also been launched for the kidnapping of individuals, including minors, in an organized group and in connection with a terrorist undertaking. Notably, 17 French citizens, including four children, are currently unaccounted for.

France has also decided to prohibit all pro-Palestinian protests due to concerns about threats to public order following the violent attack by Hamas on Israel. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin issued a notice to regional prefects, warning that these demonstrations could lead to disturbances in public order, and urged authorities to arrest organizers and troublemakers.

Furthermore, Darmanin, who had reported over 100 "anti-Semitic acts" since the Hamas attack on Israel, reinforced his request that foreigners engaged in anti-Semitic offenses or advocating terrorism should face the revocation of their residence permits and immediate expulsion from France. Photo by Office of Vice President Kamala Harris, Wikimedia commons.