France's Macron points to 'intense discussions' to liberate nationals held hostage in Palestine

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – France is having “intense discussions” about the liberation of its nationals held hostage since the Gaza conflict began on Oct. 7, the president said on Tuesday.

"France is entirely mobilized to do everything to get them liberated," French President Emmanuel Macron told a news conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in the capital Tirana.

He stressed that Paris has contact with the Palestinian group Hamas through many friendly countries, and is leading "intense discussions" which are progressing.

Macron also expressed solidarity with the families of the people held hostage.

Hamas released a video late Monday of an Israeli hostage held in the Gaza Strip.

The footage shows a 21-year-old woman being treated after she was wounded in her right arm.

The hostage, a dual Israeli-French citizen who gave her name as Mia Schem, said she was operated on for three hours by her captors.

On Monday, Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said 200-250 Israelis are being held captive by Palestinian groups in Gaza.

A spokesman for the group said 200 people are being held by Hamas, while 50 others are being held by other Palestinian factions.