Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed efforts to halt Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. A Saudi Foreign Ministry readout stated that the two leaders engaged in a phone conversation focusing on regional developments, particularly the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and the initiatives to cease these attacks and safeguard civilians.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Saudi state news agency reported that the discussions also encompassed several topics of mutual interest, although further details were not provided. President Macron condemned the resumption of Israeli strikes on Gaza, emphasizing the necessity for a return to the ceasefire for the release of all hostages and the protection of civilians, as expressed on X.

The French leader appreciated Saudi Arabia's collaborative efforts with its Arab partners on establishing a credible framework for the future in Gaza, which he stated should serve as a foundation for ongoing discussions. Macron added that they would work together to reopen a significant political horizon, with the upcoming conference on the two-state solution, which both nations will co-chair, aiming to revive political dialogue for Israelis and Palestinians.

The recent escalation has resulted in more than 700 Palestinians killed and over 900 others injured in renewed Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since Tuesday. This violence shattered a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that had been in place since January.

Since October 2023, nearly 50,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, predominantly women and children, with over 112,000 injured due to the intense Israeli military campaign in Gaza. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.