Macron Warns of Tougher Stance on Israel if Gaza Blockade Persists
DaysofPal — French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Friday that France may adopt a tougher stance against Israel if the siege on the Gaza Strip is not eased—remarks that triggered a furious response from Israeli officials, who accused him of launching a 'crusade' against the state.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Macron stated, 'There is an urgent need to provide water, food, and medicine, and to allow the wounded to leave Gaza for treatment abroad.'
He called on European countries to adopt a unified, firmer position: 'If there is no adequate response in the coming hours and days that reflects the gravity of the humanitarian catastrophe, we must consider imposing sanctions.'
Macron emphasized that the ongoing blockade has created an 'untenable situation on the ground,' adding that he hopes Israel will shift its stance and enable a meaningful humanitarian response.
The French president reaffirmed France's commitment to a political solution and reiterated support for the two-state solution as the only viable path to ending the war on Gaza. 'Creating a Palestinian state is not just a moral obligation—it is a political necessity,' he said.
Macron did not confirm whether France would recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming international conference on the two-state solution, to be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations in New York on June 18. However, he outlined several preconditions for recognition, including:
The release of hostages held in Gaza,
The disarmament of Hamas,
Exclusion of Hamas from any future Palestinian government,
Reform of the Palestinian Authority,
Recognition of Israel's right to exist and live in security,
And the establishment of a regional security framework.
Israeli Backlash
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs sharply criticized Macron's remarks, accusing him of 'waging a crusade against Israel' and denouncing France's openness to recognizing Palestinian statehood.
In a statement, the ministry accused Macron of rewarding 'terrorist jihadists' instead of exerting pressure on them, claiming such recognition would embolden hostile actors rather than deter them.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded via X (formerly Twitter), defending Macron's position: 'The idea of a Palestinian state serves Israeli security interests. It is the only alternative to endless war.' He added that France supports the creation of a 'demilitarized Palestinian state' within a broader regional security framework that includes Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar fired back, writing: 'You will not decide for Israelis what our national interests are,' firmly restating Israel's opposition to a Palestinian state.
Tensions between Israel and Western powers have escalated amid mounting pressure. Earlier this week, France, Canada, and the United Kingdom jointly announced their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state as part of broader efforts to achieve a two-state solution, and said they are working with international partners to move forward on that goal.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The latest round of Israeli military operations in Gaza resumed on March 18, following Israel's withdrawal from a ceasefire agreement. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, more than 4,000 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 11,000 injured since then. The United Nations reports that over 200,000 people have been displaced during this period.
Since the beginning of the war on October 7, 2023, Gaza's Ministry of Health estimates that around 54,000 Palestinians have been killed.
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