Macron tries to make amends with Israel after calling for cease-fire, alleging civilian attacks

Macron tries to make amends with Israel after calling for cease-fire, alleging civilian attacks

French President Emmanuel Macron attempted to make amends with the Israeli government on Sunday in a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Macron reportedly told Herzog that he had not meant to accuse Israel of intentionally bombing children and elderly people in his Friday statement calling for a cease-fire. Macron was the first major Western leader to call for Israel to halt its war against Hamas, but he once again told Herzog he believes Israel has a right to defend itself.

Macron "does not and did not intend to accuse Israel of intentionally harming innocent civilians in the campaign against the terrorist organization Hamas," Herzog's office wrote in a statement.

“President Macron also emphasized that he unequivocally supports Israel’s right and duty to self-defense, and expressed his support for Israel’s war against Hamas,” the statement added.

“President Macron explained that his comments during the interview were made in reference to the humanitarian situation, which remained an important issue for him and many countries,” the statement continued. “President Macron reiterated to President Herzog his commitment to demanding the immediate release of the hostages, and noted he was working to help on this important issue.”

Macron had previously stated that Israel's war against Hamas should be waged "without mercy, but not without rules."