Macron to Netanyahu: Too Many Civilian Losses in Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron. (AFP)
French President Emmanuel Macron. (AFP)
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Macron to Netanyahu: Too Many Civilian Losses in Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron. (AFP)
French President Emmanuel Macron. (AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu there are “too many civilian losses” in Israel’s war in Gaza.

Macron reminded Netanyahu of the “absolute necessity to distinguish terrorists from the population,” said the French presidency.

In addition to speaking to Netanyahu, Macron also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

In their conversation, Macron condemned violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, AFP reported.

“I have decided to charter a new aircraft from the Air Force that will transport over 10 tons of medical supplies early next week,” Macron posted on his X account.

He also said France is preparing a hospital ship "Dixmude" that will set sail "at the start of the week and arrive in Egypt in the coming days".

“Regarding the injured or ill children in Gaza in need of urgent care, France is mobilizing all available means, especially air transport, so that they can receive treatment in France if it is useful and necessary. Arrangements are made to receive up to 50 patients in our hospitals,” he added.



Masoud Barzani Mobilizes to Seal Baghdad-Erbil Rift


File photo shows Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Masoud Barzani (left) and Nechirvan Barzani (AFP)
File photo shows Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Masoud Barzani (left) and Nechirvan Barzani (AFP)
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Masoud Barzani Mobilizes to Seal Baghdad-Erbil Rift


File photo shows Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Masoud Barzani (left) and Nechirvan Barzani (AFP)
File photo shows Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Masoud Barzani (left) and Nechirvan Barzani (AFP)

Tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan Region, had been escalating due to political and legal disputes, notably the Federal Supreme Court’s February decision to nullify minority quotas. However, since the Court reversed its ruling in May, relations have remarkably improved, marking a new era of calm and cooperation.

This positive turn follows strained ties exacerbated by Kurdistan’s 2017 independence referendum.

Masoud Barzani, influential leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), is set to visit Baghdad—the first in six years—to engage in talks and negotiations aimed at resolving long standing issues.

According to Kurdish sources, Barzani is scheduled to arrive Wednesday for discussions aimed at finalizing solutions to ongoing disputes, including financial allocations, employee salaries, oil and gas legislation, electoral issues, and governance challenges in Kirkuk, where local elections have yet to form a government six months after voting.

Barzani’s agenda in Baghdad is expected to include discussions on Sinjar, recent Turkish military actions in Dohuk province and other Kurdish areas, and potential threats from armed groups targeting Erbil.

A Kurdistan Regional Government delegation arrived in Baghdad on Monday to prepare for Barzani’s visit and discussions. The delegation includes Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed, Finance and Economy Minister Awat Sheikh Janab, and the Director General of Customs and Border Crossings.

As Barzani prepares for his visit, Erbil is swiftly strengthening ties with Iraq’s judiciary, especially the Federal Supreme Court.

Relations had soured in recent years due to what the Kurdish region criticized as biased rulings.

Kurdistan Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani’s support for Chief Justice Fayeq Zidan is a key development amidst reports of potential US sanctions linked to Iranian interests targeting Iraqi leaders, including Zidan.