Macron Engages Middle East Leaders Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron recently conversed with Egyptian, Qatari, and Bahraini leaders to address the Israel-Hamas conflict. France, a UN Security Council member, is involved due to its large Jewish and Muslim populations and French hostages killed in Hamas attacks. Macron condemned Israeli air strikes targeting civilians and urged Hamas to release hostages.

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Tuesday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to discuss the conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to Macron's office.

France, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has a vested interest due to its significant Jewish and Muslim populations. Additionally, hostages holding French citizenship were killed in Hamas attacks on October 7th last year. Qatar has emerged as an essential mediator, previously brokering deals with France for urgent aid deliveries to Israeli hostages.

Macron's office released a statement condemning recent Israeli air strikes on UN schools and displaced citizens in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties. The President also reiterated France's demand for Hamas to immediately release the hostages.

The conflict poses the risk of escalating further, particularly along the Lebanese border, where France has historical influence as Lebanon's former colonial power. Since Hamas' October 7th attack, Israel has conducted near-daily air strikes in Syria and Lebanon, heightening regional tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)