Macron Strongly Condemns Attacks on Red Crescent Paramedics in Gaza and Demands Immediate Investigation

French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned on Tuesday the attacks targeting humanitarian workers and paramedics in the Gaza Strip. His statements came two weeks after 15 medics were killed in Israeli strikes on ambulances in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

During a press conference held in the Egyptian city of Al-Arish—located about 50 kilometers from Gaza—Macron expressed his outrage following a meeting with representatives of the Red Crescent. “We strongly condemn these attacks, and the truth must be uncovered properly,” the French President declared.

According to the United Nations and the Palestinian Red Crescent, 15 individuals, including paramedics, were killed on March 23 in Israeli shelling of ambulances in Rafah. The Israeli army acknowledged the attack but claimed it was targeting “terrorists” and announced that an investigation would be launched.

President Macron also emphasized that resuming the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza was “the top priority,” especially given the catastrophic humanitarian situation that has plagued the Palestinian territory for 18 months.

“The situation is unbearable and has never been so dire… we are calling for the swiftest possible resumption of humanitarian assistance,” he added.

Gaza has been engulfed in a devastating war since October 7, 2023, following an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on southern Israel. The conflict has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza—estimated at 2.4 million—who now live under siege in a destroyed territory.

Despite a temporary ceasefire that began on January 19, it collapsed on March 18. Since March 2, Israel has banned the entry of international aid into Gaza due to disagreements with Hamas over truce conditions.

In response to comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who proposed that the U.S. take control of Gaza’s reconstruction and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” Macron rejected the notion outright. “Gaza is not a real estate project,” he stressed.

He added: “There are two million people trapped. After months of relentless bombings and a horrific war, tens of thousands have died. Tens of thousands of children are mutilated and orphaned. That’s what we’re talking about when we speak of Gaza—not some real estate venture.”