By Seyma Uzundere
ANKARA (AA) - France called Wednesday for reforms from the Palestinian Authority to strengthen the possibility of recognizing the state of Palestine.
President Emmanuel Macron said France supports "a reformed and strengthened Palestinian Authority."
Macron made the remarks during a phone call with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in which he also conveyed his condolences to the Palestinian people following the bombing of a camp for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Sunday, according to a statement from the Elysee Palace.
The two leaders called for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Macron also expressed France's determination to work with its partners in the UN Security Council on the issue of Rafah.
He also pledged that France would fully mobilize support for an urgent and lasting cease-fire in Gaza.
Recalling his meeting with a delegation from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the Elysee Palace on May 24, Macron said France is working with its European and Arab partners on a shared vision for peace that provides internal security guarantees for Israelis and Palestinians and establishes a beneficial dynamic for the recognition of the Palestinian state.
He emphasized France's support for a reformed and strengthened Palestinian leadership that can fulfill its responsibilities in the interests of Palestinians throughout Palestinian territories, including Gaza.
He urged President Abbas to undertake the necessary reforms in this regard.
A total of 66 Palestinians were killed and more than 300 were injured in two separate attacks by the Israeli military on May 26 and May 28 on the tents of displaced Palestinians at a camp in Rafah, despite a decision by the International Court of Justice to cease such attacks.
*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul