French president stresses need for 'humanitarian pause' in Gaza

PARIS

The French president said Thursday at a humanitarian aid conference that began in Paris that there must be a humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip and a need to work for a cease-fire in the conflict.

Emmanuel Macron hosted the conference that saw UN agencies and NGOs attending amid ongoing attacks on the besieged enclave.

Macron said countries must "work for a cease-fire" in the conflict and he demanded the release of hostages held by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.

He said thousands of victims were killed and injured while more than 1 million residents have been displaced and noted that all lives are equal and there can be no double standards.

Macron repeated the mantra that Israel has the right to defend itself but he said that fighting terrorism "can never be carried out without rules."

He pointed out the dire situation in the Gaza Strip and said efforts should be made to provide the necessary space for humanitarian actors to operate in the besieged enclave.

He indicated he would increase France's aid to civilians in Gaza -- €100 million ($122 million) -- and reiterated that French stance support for a two-state solution to the conflict.

The humanitarian aid conference for Gaza saw attendance from officials from more than 50 countries.