Paris, Nov 11 (UNI) French President Emmanuel Macron said Israel's strikes on the Gaza Strip have no reason or legitimacy and must be stopped.

Earlier, Macron stated the need to financially support the Middle East countries to prevent them from being drawn into the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

"De facto - today, civilians are bombed - de facto. These babies, these ladies, these old people are bombed and killed. So there is no reason for that and no legitimacy. So we do urge Israel to stop," Macron told the BBC.

He said there is no other solution for Gaza than a humanitarian pause and a ceasefire.

On October 7, Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel. On October 27, Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion inside Gaza with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas and rescuing the hostages.

The escalation of the conflict has resulted in the deaths of around 1,400 people in Israel and over 10,500 in the Gaza Strip, according to the latest official data reported by both sides.

UNI/SPUTNIK AKS