France has condemned the death of Franco-Israeli hostage Ohad Yahalomi, whose remains were returned by Hamas this week, with President Emmanuel Macron calling for an end to the group's "barbarity".
Macron's comments follow confirmation that Franco-Israeli hostage Ohad Yahalomi seized in Hamas's October 2023 attack was among four bodies returned to Israel.
Macron posted on X that he shared the "immense pain" of Yahalomi's family and that "Hamas's barbarism must end", adding that "France lost 50 of its children in the October 7 abomination".
Yahalomi – who was 49 years old at the time of his abduction from the Nir Oz kibbutz – was the last known French citizen held by Hamas.
His son, Eitan, had been released in November 2023 as part of an earlier hostage exchange.
The announcement of Yahalomi’s death has intensified France’s diplomatic stance, with Prime Minister François Bayrou also expressing profound grief, stating, "Our pain is immense".
Bayrou further emphasised the need for a concerted international effort to bring an end to such tragedies and hold those responsible accountable.
Two French-Israeli hostages to be among first freed by Hamas under truce
Israel - Hamas exchange
The return of Yahalomi’s remains came as part of a broader exchange in which Hamas released the bodies of four hostages in return for over 600 Palestinian prisoners.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed that the other three victims were Itzhak Elgarat, Shlomo Mantzur, and Tsachi Idan.
Their deaths have further exacerbated tensions in an already fragile ceasefire, with Israel and Hamas still struggling to agree on the terms of a second phase of negotiations.
Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor – a crucial border zone between Gaza and Egypt – has added another layer of uncertainty to the truce.
As Israel cites the strategic importance of the corridor in preventing arms smuggling, their stance threatens to derail mediation efforts led by Egypt, which has played a key role in brokering past agreements.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire must lead to 'political resolution' in Gaza, Macron says
In response, Hamas has insisted that adherence to the ceasefire deal is the "only way" to secure the release of remaining hostages.
With 59 captives still being held in Gaza – 32 of whom are believed to be dead – the militant group maintains significant leverage in the ongoing negotiations.
Hamas also warned that any Israeli backtracking could prolong the suffering of hostages and their families.
According to Palestinian health officials, over 48,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s military offensive began.
As the first phase of the ceasefire nears its expiry date, the road ahead remains uncertain.
While Israel insists on dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, the group has little incentive to release its remaining hostages without securing major concessions.
(With newswires)
