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.
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A severe heatwave sweeping across much of Europe has led France to restrict alcohol consumption at public events, while Germany issued widespread heat warnings and Spain closed a football fan zone in Madrid.
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