Macron condemns Hamas' 'heinous cruelty' after watching hostage videos, reiterates support for two-state solution

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday condemned Hamas’ “heinous cruelty” after the terror group released new propaganda videos of visibly starving Israeli hostages Ron Braslavski and Evyatar David. 

"We think with deep emotion of Evyatar David, Rom Braslavski, all the hostages still held captive, as well as their families and loved ones who have been plunged into hell for more than 660 days," Macron stated, adding that Paris’ "absolute priority and imperative is the immediate release of all hostages."

Leading international media outlets like The New York Times have largely ignored the emaciated Israeli hostages in the videos and instead focused on featuring false images of “starving” Gazan children. 

While blasting Hamas’ "unlimited inhumanity," Macron nevertheless repeated his call for the inflow of more humanitarian aid into Gaza and the implementation of the two-state solution to the conflict. 

"This effort must be accompanied by a political solution for the day after," the French leader argued.

"That solution is the two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace. It is the only possible path toward a future where justice, security, and dignity are guaranteed for all the peoples of the region," he continued, adding that Hamas must be disarmed and excluded from any future political governing role. 

However, Macron did not explain how he plans to achieve this vision, given that Hamas refuses to disarm and still holds 50 Israeli hostages, including 20 believed to be alive. Hamas has also recently demanded the creation of a “Palestinian state” with Jerusalem as its capital.

The French president further stirred controversy by drawing a comparison between Israeli hostages and convicted Palestinian terrorists held in Israeli prisons.

Last month, Macron announced that France would likely recognize a “Palestinian state” at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. 

"We must build the State of Palestine and ensure that, through its demilitarization and recognition by Israel, it contributes to the security of everyone in the Middle East," Macron stated in July.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer quickly followed suit by announcing that London would also recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agreed to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and allowed more humanitarian aid into the territory. His statement appeared to place responsibility on Israel, without addressing the fact that Hamas has rejected multiple ceasefires and has interfered with Israeli and U.S.-led efforts to deliver aid to Gaza.

A few days later, Canada announced its intention to recognize “Palestine.” 

Israel and the United States have condemned the growing unilateral international diplomatic moves, warning that they reward Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, massacre of 1,200 Israelis and undermine prospects for genuine peace in the Middle East. 

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly rejected the French announcement to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. 

“This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th,” Rubio warned. 

The French, British and Canadian governments have so far not addressed the fact that both Hamas and its political rival Fatah, reject Israel’s right to exist as a homeland for the Jewish people within any boundaries. 

The U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized France’s two-state plan already in June. 

“It’s incredibly inappropriate in the midst of a war that Israel is dealing with to go out and present something that I think increasingly Israelis are steadfast against,” Huckabee stated. 

"Oct. 7 changed a lot of things. If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I have a suggestion for them – carve out a piece of the French Riviera and create a Palestinian state. They are welcome to do that, but they are not welcome to impose that kind of pressure on a sovereign nation. And I find it revolting that they think they have the right to do such a thing."