A joint statement called for an immediate ceasefire and said that "withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable."

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, welcomed the announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding France’s intention to recognise the State of Palestine.

Trump on Friday dismissed Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state — a gentler response than sharp condemnation from Marco Rubio and other top Republicans, who blasted the move.