Macron claims that nine French nationals are either missing or being held captive as a result of the Hamas strike in Israel

Following a meeting with the families of the dead and missing French people in Israel, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on X, previously Twitter, on Tuesday that nine French citizens are "missing or held hostage" as a result of the Hamas strikes on Israel.

Macron, who landed in Tel Aviv on Tuesday morning, stated on X that "we are tied to Israel by grief."

Macron spoke with 30 families during his visit, including those of Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French-Israeli woman who was featured on a Hamas video released last week, and the families of 18 other French citizens who had been slain or reported missing since the organization's attack on October 7.

In Jerusalem, Macron also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

"We share your pain. What happened on the 7th of October is an awful terrorist attack against your people, your nation," Macron said directly addressing his Israeli counterpart during a press conference. "I want you to be sure that you are not left alone in this war against terrorism. Because I speak here on behalf of a country which experiences terrorist attacks."

Strongly endorsing the release of all Israeli hostages "without any distinction," the French leader described it as a "awful crime to play with the lives of children, adults, all people."

Praiseing Macron's visit as a "clear expression of solidarity" in "trying times" for Israel, Herzog expressed gratitude for it.