JERUSALEM, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to Israel on Tuesday, said the priority should be the release of hostages held by Hamas.
In press statements alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron pledged support to Israel. He said France stands by Israel "today, tomorrow and the day after peace and stability," adding that Israel and France are united by the same "pain and grief."
He called upon the international community to prevent any escalation in the region and urged Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group and political party, as well as Iran, to refrain from actions that could potentially ignite further tensions.
For his part, Netanyahu said "everyone will be in danger if Hamas will not be destroyed," and Israel "must have a decisive victory against Hamas," threatening "horrible consequences" for Hezbollah if the group joined the escalation.
Macron arrived in Israel on Tuesday morning and was expected to also meet with the Palestinian leader later in the day. ■
