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Macron Acknowledges Algerian Independence Leader Was 'Killed By French Soldiers' in 1957

This handout picture taken in the fifties shows Larbi Ben M’Hidi, an Algerian anti-French leader tortured to death in 1957 - File photo by AFP
This handout picture taken in the fifties shows Larbi Ben M’Hidi, an Algerian anti-French leader tortured to death in 1957 - File photo by AFP
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Macron Acknowledges Algerian Independence Leader Was 'Killed By French Soldiers' in 1957

This handout picture taken in the fifties shows Larbi Ben M’Hidi, an Algerian anti-French leader tortured to death in 1957 - File photo by AFP
This handout picture taken in the fifties shows Larbi Ben M’Hidi, an Algerian anti-French leader tortured to death in 1957 - File photo by AFP

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday recognized that Larbi Ben M'hidi, a key figure in Algeria's War of Independence against France, had been killed by French soldiers after his arrest in 1957, the French presidency said, AFP reported.

"He recognized today that Larbi Ben M'hidi, a national hero for Algeria... was killed by French soldiers," the presidency said on the 70th anniversary of the revolt that sparked the war, in a new gesture of reconciliation by Macron towards the former colony.

On September 13, 2018, Macron officially acknowledged that the French state was responsible for the disappearance of Maurice Audin, an anti-colonial activist who was arrested during the 1957 Battle of Algiers and never seen again.

Also, on March 3, 2021, the French president admitted that the French army was behind 1957 death of Ali Boumendjel during Battle of Algiers. Before this, Boumendjel, was said to have died after falling from a sixth-floor window.

However, the Elysée affirmed in its statement that he was arrested by the French army, hidden, tortured then assassinated on 23 March 1957.

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North Gaza ‘Apocalyptic,’ Everyone at ‘Imminent Risk’ of Death, Warns UN

Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on November 1, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. (AFP)
Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on November 1, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. (AFP)
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North Gaza ‘Apocalyptic,’ Everyone at ‘Imminent Risk’ of Death, Warns UN

Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on November 1, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. (AFP)
Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on November 1, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. (AFP)

The situation in the northern Gaza Strip is "apocalyptic" as Israel pursues a military offensive against Hamas fighters in the area, top United Nations officials warned on Friday.

"The entire Palestinian population in North Gaza is at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence," they said in a statement signed by the heads of UN agencies, including the UN children's agency UNICEF and the World Food Program, and other aid groups.

Israel began a wide military push in northern Gaza earlier this month. The United States has said it was watching to ensure that its ally's actions on the ground show it does not have a "policy of starvation" in the north.

"Humanitarian aid cannot keep up with the scale of the needs due to the access constraints. Basic, life-saving goods are not available. Humanitarians are not safe to do their work and are blocked by Israeli forces and by insecurity from reaching people in need," they said.

They urged all parties fighting in Gaza to protect civilians and called on Israel to "ceases its assault on Gaza and on the humanitarians trying to help."

Israel's UN mission in New York declined comment on the statement. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon last month told the Security Council that the issue in Gaza was not a lack of aid, saying more than a million tons had been delivered during the past year. He accused Hamas of hijacking the assistance.

Hamas has repeatedly denied Israeli allegations that it was stealing aid and says Israel is to blame for shortages.

On Monday, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said around 100,000 people were marooned in Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza without medical or food supplies. Reuters could not verify the number independently.

USAID Administrator Samantha Power spoke with Israel's ambassador to the United States on Friday as a deadline imposed by Washington looms for Israel to improve the situation or face potential restrictions on US military aid.

Power and Herzog "discussed the need to get more aid to the Palestinian people," said USAID spokesperson Benjamin Suarato, adding: "Administrator Power raised serious concern on the humanitarian conditions in northern Gaza."

The United States told Israel in a letter on Oct. 13 that it must take steps within 30 days.