French President Emmanuel Macron marked the second anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7th, expressing solidarity with victims and calling for the immediate release of all hostages and a cease-fire. Macron stated on X (formerly Twitter) this morning that France "works tirelessly" for the return of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas. The president also reiterated France's appeal for an immediate cease-fire and emphasized the need to fight anti-Semitism and build peace. Macron's statement, posted on October 7th, highlighted the "lively" pain of the attacks, noting that 51 French compatriots were among the victims. He expressed shared grief with bereaved families and anxiety for those still awaiting the return of loved ones. The French leader declared that such an "abomination should never happen again." This commemoration comes as Gisele Pelicot is scheduled to testify today, October 7th, 2025, in Paris in the appeal of the man convicted of her aggravated rape, a case that has prompted significant societal reflection in France regarding sexual assault. While not directly linked in the provided sources, Pelicot's appearance in court occurs on the same day as Macron's remarks on the anniversary of the Hamas attacks, a significant date for France and international affairs. The previous report indicates that Pelicot's testimony is a critical part of the appeal hearing, which reviews the original nine-year prison sentence. The case has drawn national attention, underscoring the emotional and legal complexities of prosecuting sexual offenses.
