French President expresses concern that Israel’s efforts to destroy Hamas could drag on for years, calling for a lasting ceasefire.

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Israel’s aim to eliminate Hamas could result in a prolonged conflict lasting a decade. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN’s COP28 climate conference in Dubai, Macron stressed the need for Israel to define its objectives more clearly. He cautioned that the total destruction of Hamas, if achievable, would likely lead to years of warfare, with no resolution in sight.

Israel’s military offensive, which began after the October 7 Hamas attack, has already resulted in over 15,000 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Hamas-run authorities in Gaza. Despite this, Israel remains committed to eradicating Hamas, which has fueled ongoing violence in the region.

Macron expressed concern about the potential for an extended conflict and called for stepped-up efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire. On Saturday, he visited Doha for discussions with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, whose government has played a key role in mediation efforts. However, his visit came just after Israeli negotiators left Doha, citing a deadlock in talks.

The ceasefire, which lasted for a week, collapsed after both sides blamed each other for its failure. During the brief truce, 80 Israeli hostages were exchanged for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Since its breakdown, the Israeli military resumed airstrikes in Gaza, while Hamas launched rocket attacks against Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv.

Macron had originally planned an extensive tour of the Middle East but instead focused on diplomatic efforts on the sidelines of the climate summit. Neither Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas attended the COP28 summit, highlighting the diplomatic challenges France faces in influencing the ongoing conflict.

Analysts note that Macron’s efforts to mediate in the conflict underscore France’s struggle to find a meaningful role in resolving the crisis, with some suggesting that France has not been able to assert significant influence over the situation.