Ramallah, October 25: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called for a "complete ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip and the opening of permanent corridors for the delivery of humanitarian aid to people in the coastal enclave. Abbas made the remarks on Tuesday during his meeting with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a WAFA news agency report. Israel-Gaza War: Over Two Million Palestinians on Survival Mission Every Day, Every Night, Says Palestinian Foreign Minister.

Abbas condemned the killing of civilians on both sides and called for the release of civilians, prisoners, and detainees on both sides. Abbas also rejected the displacement of Palestinians from their homes and lands, whether they are in Gaza, the West Bank, or Jerusalem. Macron stressed the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza, saying that he seeks to free hostages held by Hamas, including nine French nationals. Israel-Palestine War: Won’t Stop Attacking Gaza Till Hamas Is Destroyed, Says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating Israeli territory, where they seized a large number of hostages. The group previously stated that there were 200 to 250 captives held in Gaza. To respond, Israel launched massive airstrikes and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities being cut off. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has so far killed nearly 5,800 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and more than 1,400 people in Israel.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 25, 2023 07:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).