Ljubljana: French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concerns over the precarious situation in Gaza, despite a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel established earlier this month.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron emphasized the fragile nature of the ceasefire during a joint news conference with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob in Ljubljana. He urged Hamas to honor its commitments and stressed the need for sustained pressure to ensure the ceasefire is upheld. The ceasefire agreement, reached on October 10 based on a 20-point plan by US President Donald Trump, includes terms for the return of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the rebuilding of Gaza, and the disarmament of Hamas.

Macron underscored the urgent need to reopen humanitarian access points to deliver aid, food, and essential medical care to the Gazan population. He highlighted the importance of supporting the injured and vulnerable, and the need for evacuating those requiring medical attention to regional hospitals.

In addition to addressing the Gaza situation, Macron reiterated the importance of supporting Ukraine with military, capacity building, and financial assistance. He stressed that a lasting peace must be "solid and durable," offering security guarantees. Macron asserted that Ukraine should have the autonomy to decide its future and territory, while Europeans should determine their own security.

On the domestic front, Macron discussed the suspension of pension reform in France, clarifying that it is a "postponement" rather than an "abrogation." He reaffirmed the necessity of the reform, initially passed in 2023, which aimed to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. Macron mentioned that "referendum prospects are possible" if a structural agreement is reached.

Addressing questions about former President Nicolas Sarkozy's imprisonment, Macron refrained from commenting on the judiciary's decisions. He acknowledged the emotional responses to Sarkozy's incarceration but emphasized the distinction between personal feelings and the justice system's function.