Macron and Saudi crown prince condemn Israeli strikes on Gaza, call for ceasefire.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have jointly condemned the resumption of Israeli strikes on Gaza. The two leaders emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages and ensure civilian protection.

In a post on X, Macron announced their agreement to co-chair a conference promoting a two-state solution aimed at reviving political dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

The condemnation followed a wave of intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza. On Wednesday, ground operations resumed in central and southern Gaza, with airstrikes killing at least 48 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The violence came just a day after over 400 Palestinians were killed, breaking a ceasefire that had held since January.

Macron also expressed support for the crown prince’s Jeddah initiative, which contributed to the start of peace negotiations in Ukraine. Additionally, the leaders discussed their shared goals for a sovereign Lebanon and a stable Syria undergoing an inclusive transition.

Their collaboration highlights ongoing efforts to address regional conflicts and promote diplomatic solutions in the Middle East.