In a statement following a humanitarian aid conference in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, stating that there is "no justification" for the Israeli bombing of civilians, including babies, women, and elderly people. Macron emphasized that all governments and agencies at the summit agreed on the urgent need for a ceasefire, which would not only protect innocent lives but also benefit Israel.

Speaking to the BBC, Macron stated that the ongoing bombings of civilians were unacceptable and lacked legitimacy. He condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with Israel, but firmly insisted that there was no reason to continue targeting innocent civilians. He stressed the importance of recognizing that all lives matter, not only for the principles of democracy but also for the long-term security of Israel.

Macron also called on other leaders, including those from the United States and the United Kingdom, to join his plea for a ceasefire. He highlighted the increase in Islamophobia and antisemitism across the US since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began, as reported by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair). Cair found a 216% surge in requests for help and reports of bias during the period between 7 October and 4 November, compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, Jewish communities have also reported record-high levels of antisemitic incidents in the wake of the conflict. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) documented a nearly 400% increase in reported antisemitic incidents compared to the same period last year, with 190 incidents directly linked to the violence in Israel and Gaza. New York City specifically witnessed a 214% rise in reported hate crimes against Jews in October, according to crime statistics released by the NYPD.

In Gaza, the situation continues to deteriorate, as highlighted by the UN's human rights chief, Volker Türk. Türk has reiterated the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow lifesaving relief to reach the region. He called for the release of all hostages taken from Israel and stressed the importance of bringing an end to the "nightmarish" situation endured by those trapped in Gaza. Türk's five-day visit to the Middle East included a visit to Rafah, Egypt, where he witnessed firsthand the scarcity of water and pervasive fear in Gaza.

The plea for a ceasefire from Macron and the growing concerns raised by organizations such as Cair and the ADL underscore the urgency to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The international community is called upon to take immediate action to protect civilians, provide essential aid, and work towards a sustainable solution that ensures the safety and well-being of all those affected by the ongoing violence.