HIBAPRESS – Agencies
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Saturday that the release of all hostages held and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip "are on the verge of being realized," stressing the need for "Hamas to translate its commitments into practical steps without any delay," as he put it.
Macron said in a statement posted on the "X" platform: "The release of all detained hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza is imminent! Hamas's commitment must be followed without delay. We now have an opportunity to move decisively towards peace." The French President added that his country "will continue to play its full role through the United Nations, in cooperation with the United States, Israel, the Palestinians, and all international partners," thanking U.S. President Donald Trump, and his team for their efforts to achieve peace. Earlier on Saturday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Israel to immediately stop launching airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, with the aim of ensuring the safe release of the detainees. Trump said in a post on his social network account: "Israel must immediately stop bombing Gaza so we can get the hostages out quickly and safely. The situation is currently very dangerous." The U.S. President added that Hamas "has shown its willingness to reach a lasting peace agreement," stressing that "any future steps must focus on protecting civilians and ending the escalation."
