Recent footage released by Hamas showing Israeli hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David in a frail and emaciated condition has shocked leaders across Europe. The two have been held for nearly 670 days, and the disturbing images prompted immediate condemnation.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the video a stark display of Hamas’ “unlimited inhumanity” and “abject cruelty,” underscoring the urgent need for action in Gaza. The footage has reignited international calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention.
Macron Backs Two-State Solution, Rejects Hamas Role in Future Palestinian Governance
Macron, who recently declared that France would recognize a Palestinian state by September, reiterated that an end to the conflict must include a sustainable political solution. He strongly advocated for a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully.
Emphasizing long-term peace and justice, Macron stated this is the only viable path to lasting regional stability. His remarks position France at the forefront of Western efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
To dispel any ambiguity around France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, Macron made it clear that Hamas must be excluded from any political future in Gaza. He demanded that Hamas be fully disarmed and removed from all governance structures.
Furthermore, he stated that any Palestinian state must recognize Israel. Macron’s stance seeks to balance support for Palestinian self-determination with a firm rejection of terrorist influence, reassuring allies like Israel and the U.S.
Western Allies Unite Behind Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Humanitarian Relief in Gaza Conflict
Macron’s position prompted aligned responses from other Western nations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed the call for Hamas to be excluded from Gaza’s future and urged Israel not to retaliate by restricting humanitarian aid. U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the hostage footage “sickening propaganda” and demanded the unconditional release of all hostages. Lammy also called for a ceasefire and the lifting of aid restrictions, reinforcing the collective Western push for peace and humanitarian relief.
The video release coincided with a visit by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to Israel, where he met with hostage families and officials in Tel Aviv. The U.S. is now pushing for a comprehensive deal involving a total ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages, diverging from Israel’s preference for phased negotiations.
Witkoff expressed optimism that a breakthrough was near, though similar hopes have previously failed to materialize. To date, only one American hostage, Edan Alexander, has been released outside of earlier multilateral agreements.
