WESTERN powers should unleash their military might to rout Hamas like they did to IS, Emmanuel Macron declared yesterday.
The French President said in Israel: “We should build a regional and international coalition to battle terrorist groups that threaten us all.”
AFPEmmanuel Macron with Benjamin Netanyahu on a solidarity trip to Israel[/caption]
In 2014 a US-led coalition destroyed IS in Iraq and Syria, with RAF bombers playing a decisive role.
Mr Macron’s office later rowed back on the comments, saying Paris was ready to “work on ideas of action against Hamas, with our partners and Israel.”
Instead the coalition would be “an inspiration” but allies could work on training and intelligence sharing.
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Mr Macron for his support, adding: “This is like having IS in your suburbs.
“That’s how we live. No one can put up with that.
“That’s why we have to dismantle Hamas.”
Gilad Erdan, Israel ambassador to the UN, said Secretary-General António Guterres should resign for saying Israel could not justify the “collective punishment of Palestinians”.
International development minister Andrew Mitchell told MPs the number of aid trucks being allowed to enter Gaza is “wholly inadequate”.
He said the UK will continue to press all relevant authorities to allow essentials into the territory.
Meanwhile, Financial Secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins said it was not the right time to support a Palestinian refugee scheme.