Dim Amor

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a sharp and direct message this evening to Hamas, calling for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The message was published on social media platform X in three languages – French, Hebrew, and Arabic – representing one of the most prominent expressions of direct diplomatic intervention by a European leader on the hostage issue.

"700 days. 700 days without their loved ones. 700 days in inhumane detention conditions. I call for the immediate release of all hostages still held by Hamas. The suffering and barbarism have already gone on far too long" – Macron wrote in a post published about an hour ago on social media.

The French President's message emphasizes the temporal dimension of the crisis, explicitly referencing the exact number of days that have passed since the abduction. The use of the phrase "700 days" is repeated three times at the beginning of the message, highlighting the unbearable length of time the hostages have been held in conditions Macron defines as "inhumane".

The direct appeal to Hamas constitutes a significant diplomatic step, with Macron choosing not to use vague diplomatic language but rather explicitly calling on the terrorist organization to release the hostages. The use of the words "suffering and barbarism" reflects France's clear position regarding the nature of the actions and the manner in which the hostages are being held.

The choice to publish in three languages indicates a desire to reach different audiences – the French and European public, the Israeli and Jewish community, as well as the Arab and Palestinian audience. This represents a calculated diplomatic move aimed at conveying a clear message to all parties involved.

Macron's position comes at a time when hostage families worldwide continue their efforts to secure the release of their loved ones, providing significant international backing for liberation efforts. The direct appeal to Hamas may be seen as a move designed to apply additional international pressure on the organization.

The French President's statement comes against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic efforts to advance a hostage and prisoner exchange agreement, with various countries worldwide attempting to influence the organization to make decisions that would lead to the hostages' release.

Macron's sharp message demonstrates the continued international involvement in the hostage issue, with world leaders continuing to remind of the suffering of the hostages and their families after more than two years since the abduction. The direct appeal and sharpness of expression signal the urgency with which Western nations view resolving the crisis.

Photo: AFP