French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have condemned the renewed Israeli military strikes on Gaza, calling for a return to the ceasefire to ensure the release of hostages and the protection of civilians.

In a statement on Wednesday, Macron announced that France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair an international conference aimed at reviving political dialogue on a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. “A return to the ceasefire is essential,” Macron stated in a post on X, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to shape Gaza’s future.

The Israeli military resumed ground operations in central and southern Gaza on Wednesday, following intense airstrikes that killed at least 48 Palestinians, according to health officials in the region. The escalation came just a day after over 400 Palestinians lost their lives in air raids, marking one of the deadliest incidents since the conflict began in October 2023 and breaking a ceasefire that had largely held since January.

Macron also praised the Jeddah initiative led by Saudi Arabia, which helped initiate peace talks concerning Ukraine. Additionally, the two leaders discussed regional stability in Syria and Lebanon. Macron reaffirmed that both France and Saudi Arabia share the same objectives in the region: ensuring Lebanon’s sovereignty and fostering a united, stable Syria through an inclusive transition.