French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Europe to strengthen its collective position on Israel if the humanitarian situation in Gaza does not improve, citing urgent warnings from aid groups and ongoing international diplomatic efforts.
During a visit to Singapore ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference, President Emmanuel Macron stated that Europe’s “collective position” on Israel must “harden” unless the crisis in Gaza sees immediate relief. “It’s very clear today that we can not let this situation last,” Macron said.
Humanitarian organizations have cautioned that many residents of Gaza are at risk of starvation following an 11-week aid blockade. Addressing this issue, Macron said, “If there is not a response to the humanitarian situation in the next few hours today, we will have to harden the collective position.”
Macron further described the recognition of a Palestinian state as both a “moral duty” and a “political necessity.” He has recently criticized what he referred to as Israel’s “shameful” policies in Gaza. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Macron of siding with Hamas and spreading “blood libels.”
The debate over Israel’s actions in Gaza has also seen commentary from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who stated earlier this week that Israel’s offensive “can no longer be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism.”
On the diplomatic front, the White House announced Thursday that Israel had “signed off” on a U.S.-proposed plan for a 60-day ceasefire and hostage release deal, noting that it was awaiting a formal response from Hamas.
A Hamas official told the BBC that the group intended to reject the U.S. proposal, stating it did not satisfy core demands including an end to the war, and that Hamas would respond in due course. However, Reuters reported that the Palestinian militant group was reviewing the plan and would provide a response either that day or Saturday.
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