04:00
Macron visits Singapore for defense, AI and trade talks
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Singapore Thursday for the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour.
France may harden position on Israel over Gaza aid blockade, Macron warns
Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron issued a strong warning Friday that France could toughen its stance on Israel, including the possible imposition of sanctions against Israeli settlers, if humanitarian aid to Gaza continues to be obstructed.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Singapore with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Macron described the ongoing blockade of aid to Gaza as a growing humanitarian disaster. “The humanitarian blockade is creating a situation that is untenable on the ground,” he said.
“If there is no response that meets the humanitarian situation in the coming hours and days, obviously, we will have to toughen our collective position,” Macron stated, suggesting a potential escalation in France’s diplomatic response. “But I still hope that the government of Israel will change its stance and that we will finally have a humanitarian response.”
His comments come as Israel faces intensifying global criticism over its handling of humanitarian access to Gaza, where aid groups have warned of widespread famine and medical collapse following months of siege. Although Israel partially eased an 11-week blockade last week, the limited delivery of aid under the revised system has drawn sharp criticism for being inadequate.
Support for Two-State Solution and Palestinian State Recognition
Reaffirming France’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, Macron emphasized that the recognition of a Palestinian state is not merely a “moral duty” but also a “political necessity.” He added that France remains committed to facilitating a long-term political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
According to diplomats, Macron is leaning toward formally recognizing a Palestinian state, a decision that would mark a significant policy shift and could provoke tensions with Israel. French officials are said to be weighing this move ahead of a UN conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for June 17–20.
The aim of the conference is to define a roadmap toward Palestinian statehood while ensuring Israeli security — a balancing act that has long stymied international diplomacy.
00:58
France to ban smoking in public places where children are present
French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin announced Thursday that smoking will be banned in public areas where children are present, effective from July 1.
10:20
Meloni to host Macron for talks in Rome on 3 June
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will welcome French President Emmanuel Macron to Rome on 3 June for bilateral and international discussions, her office confirmed.
17:29
French
French court sentences former surgeon to 20 years for raping 299 Children
A French court has sentenced 74-year-old former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec to the maximum 20 years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of 299 children, concluding one of the country’s most horrific abuse cases in recent history.
17:00
World News
Macron: France-Indonesia pact could lead to new Rafale jet orders
French President Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a new defense pact on Wednesday that could lead to more orders of French military equipment, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment