Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on the Nasser Medical Complex in the Gaza Strip, calling them "intolerable" and urging Israel to adhere to international law. Macron's remarks came after a phone call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron expressed his concerns on the social media platform X, stressing the need to protect civilians and journalists during the conflict. He emphasized that journalists should be able to operate "freely" and "independently" to accurately report on the situation. Macron also highlighted the necessity of allowing humanitarian aid into the region, reiterating calls for Israel to respect international law.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 20 Palestinians, including patients, health workers, civil defense personnel, and members of the press, were killed in the Israeli airstrikes. The attacks targeted the fourth floor of a building within the medical complex, with a subsequent strike occurring as rescue teams attempted to evacuate the injured and recover the deceased.

Official Palestine TV and Qatari channel Al Jazeera confirmed the deaths of their journalists, Hussam al-Masri and Mohammad Salama, respectively. Additional photojournalists, including Mariam Abu Dagga and Moaz Abu Taha, were also killed in the attack. Medical sources informed Anadolu that Ahmed Abu Aziz, a freelance reporter, succumbed to his injuries from the strike.

Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of over 62,700 Palestinians in Gaza, leaving the enclave in a state of devastation and famine. Last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, and Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.