LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE

Macron condemns Hamas attack as worst anti-Semitic massacre of the century

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel as the "century's largest anti-Semitic massacre" during a memorial for the French casualties. The assault, deemed an act of "anti-Semitic barbarism" by Macron, claimed 42 French lives, with three individuals still missing and presumed captured. In Paris, Macron honored the memory of those lost and pledged the relentless pursuit of the French hostages' freedom. He firmly rejected terrorism and mentioned anticipated memorials for French victims caught in Israeli strikes on Gaza, although plans remain unspecified.

08 February 2024 · 08:26 UTC

The conflict, sparked by Hamas' aggression, led to approximately 1,160 fatalities, primarily civilians, based on Israeli data. Hamas reportedly took roughly 250 hostages, with 132 remaining, and 29 presumed dead. In response, Israel's efforts to neutralize Hamas resulted in over 27,000 deaths, largely among women and children, as reported by Gaza's health ministry.

Macron emphasized the equal value of all lives and the importance of not succumbing to a desire for vengeance, advocating for unity and committing France to promote peace and security in the Middle East.