Macron and Saudi Crown Prince call for ceasefire in Gaza 'without delay'

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron, meeting in Riyadh, issued a joint statement emphasising the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The French presidency said both leaders agreed to "make every effort to contribute to de-escalation" across the Middle East.

The statement stressed that their "priority… is to establish a ceasefire without further delay in Gaza," facilitating the release of hostages held by Hamas and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and called for urgent diplomatic efforts to resolve Lebanon's political impasse by holding a presidential election.

Macron’s visit to Saudi Arabia marked the first state visit by a French president to the kingdom since 2006.