French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep concern about the tragic situation at a Catholic parish in war-torn Gaza, where hundreds of civilians of all confessions have been living under bombs and bullets for more than two months. Macron spoke with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa to discuss the heartbreaking deaths of parishioners, including a Christian mother and daughter who were killed by an Israeli soldier on the grounds of the Gaza Strip's only Catholic church.

Despite the Israeli army's denial of targeting civilians, Macron offered his condolences and urged solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land as Christmas approaches. The deadly conflict was triggered by an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel, leading to a retaliatory military campaign that has caused immense loss of life, particularly among women and children. France stands in support of peace and healing in the region.