The French president called for the release of "all hostages" and "on both sides."
(Aug. 3, 2025 / JNS) Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Sunday denounced French President Emmanuel Macron for suggesting Palestinian prisoners in Israel were “hostages” and juxtaposing them with Israelis being held captive in Gaza.
Sa’ar labeled as a “lie and moral distortion” the remarks by Macron, who made them at a June 14 press conference in Paris. The video went viral on Sunday, drawing condemnations from French Jewish groups as well as Israel.
In the viral clip of the event, Macron outlines his vision for ending the war in Gaza, saying in English: “First the freeing of the hostages and then a ceasefire.” When a person in the audience asks whether this includes Palestinian hostages, Macron replies, “Yes, all,” then reaffirms: “on both sides,” as the audience applauds.