French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that France may impose sanctions on Israel unless the Tel Aviv government responds urgently to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Speaking during a visit to Singapore on Friday, Macron emphasized that the international community cannot remain passive as Palestinians in Gaza face a growing hunger emergency amid a nearly three-month blockade.
“The humanitarian blockade is creating an untenable situation on the ground,” Macron said at a joint press conference with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
He added, “If there is no response in the coming hours and days aligned with the humanitarian situation, we will need to strengthen our collective position,” suggesting possible sanctions against Israeli settlers.
Israel recently announced it would allow only “minimal” supplies of food and medicine into Gaza, even as it continues an intense military campaign in the enclave. The aid entering Gaza, distributed through a new NGO supported by Israel and the United States, has been met with looting and violence, further complicating relief efforts.
Macron criticized assumptions that Israel is respecting human rights but expressed hope that the Israeli government would reconsider and enable a proper humanitarian response.
He also highlighted that recognizing a Palestinian state is “not only a moral duty but a political necessity”, though such recognition would require specific conditions, including the demilitarization of Hamas.
Earlier this week, Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto issued a joint statement condemning any Israeli plans to take control of Gaza or forcibly displace its population. France is aiming to build momentum for a conditional recognition of Palestinian statehood ahead of a United Nations conference scheduled for June 17-20. The conference, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aims to outline a roadmap for Palestinian statehood while ensuring Israel’s security.
However, some diplomats and experts warn that such moves could anger Israel and deepen divisions among Western countries.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains critical despite the limited flow of aid. Experts warn that one in five residents faces imminent starvation. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private initiative backed by the US and Israel, has expanded its relief efforts but has faced widespread condemnation from the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies. Critics say GHF’s operations are insufficient, poorly managed, and fail to adhere to humanitarian principles.
Reports from Gaza describe chaotic and violent scenes at GHF distribution centres, with overcrowded crowds overwhelming security forces. An Al Jazeera correspondent reported that several people were wounded by Israeli army gunfire near an aid point in Gaza on Friday.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stated it is ready to deliver supplies, including food, hygiene kits, and medical aid, from its warehouses in Amman, Jordan, if granted access to Gaza.
Meanwhile, ceasefire talks continue between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas. The United States has put forward a new ceasefire proposal, which Hamas described as “still under discussion”. However, Hamas criticized the plan, saying it would only prolong the killing and famine in Gaza in its current form.
