Macron calls on Israelis and Palestinians not to "feed the spiral of violence"

The French president, in turn, called for calm and peace.

Emmanuel Macron urged Israelis and Palestinians on Sunday not to "feed the spiral of violence" after the attacks in East Jerusalem and the death of a Palestinian, killed by Israeli guards.

During a telephone interview with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "the President of the Republic recalled the need for all to avoid measures likely to fuel the cycle of violence", indicated the Elysée in a press release. .

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“He once again expressed his availability to contribute to the resumption of dialogue between the Palestinians and the Israelis,” underlined the French presidency.

The Head of State offered his condolences to the Israeli people for "the victims of the terrorist attack" in which seven people died on Friday near a synagogue in East Jerusalem.

"A despicable attack"

He once again condemned this "despicable attack", "expressed France's full and complete solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism" and reiterated "France's unwavering attachment to the security" of this country. .

On Saturday, a 13-year-old Palestinian also shot and wounded two Israelis in Silwan, a stone's throw from the Old City walls.

Benjamin Netanyahu promised a “strong” and “robust” response to “terrorism” after the two attacks.

On Sunday, Israeli guards also killed a Palestinian in the West Bank.

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The attacks in East Jerusalem followed a deadly Israeli military raid on Thursday in the occupied West Bank, followed by rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and retaliatory Israeli airstrikes.

The two leaders also discussed the regional situation, including advances in Iran's nuclear program in violation of the international agreement reached in 2015.

President Macron stressed "the necessary firmness in the face of increasingly worrying developments and the Iranians' lack of transparency".

"He recalled that Iranian support for Russian aggression in Ukraine exposed Iran to sanctions and growing isolation," continued the Elysee.