Macron urges immediate resumption of aid to Gaza

French president says situation is 'intolerable,' while touring a hospital in El-Arish and slams Israel's attack on aid workers

- EL-ARISH

French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Egypt on Tuesday urged the immediate resumption of aid to Gaza and condemned an Israeli attack on aid workers.

"The situation today is intolerable," Macron said in the city of El-Arish near the border with Gaza, calling for "the resumption of humanitarian aid as quickly as possible" to the territory.

He also "strongly condemned" an Israeli attack on paramedics and aid workers last month.

Alongside his host Abdel Fattah AI Sisi, Macron toured a hospital in the port city, 50 km west of the Gaza Strip, and met with medical professionals and sick and wounded Palestinians evacuated from Gaza.

Carrying a bouquet of red roses to give to patients, the French president visited several wards as well as a play area for children.

His office said the trip was aimed at piling pressure on Israel for "the reopening of crossing points for the delivery of humanitarian goods into Gaza."

Israel cut off aid to Gaza in early March, during an impasse over next steps in a ceasefire with Hamas.

Later in March, Israel resumed intense bombardment across the territory and restarted ground operations.