French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that his country could impose sanctions on Israel unless the government responds to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which is facing a deepening hunger crisis. The comments come as the international community pressures Israel for a resolution, with aid agencies warning of famine.
Macron said the humanitarian blockade is “untenable” and that France will harden its collective position if there’s no response from Israel. He also called for an end to assumptions that Israel respects human rights and urged the government to change its stance. The French leader emphasized recognition of a Palestinian state as both a moral duty and a political necessity.
Despite some aid starting to trickle into Gaza, experts warn that one in five people faces imminent starvation. The humanitarian crisis remains dire, with scenes of chaos and desperation at distribution points. Israel has blockaded the enclave for close to three months, and talks over a ceasefire continue, with the US having put forward a new proposal.
However, Hamas has rejected the proposal, stating it would only result in “the continuation of killing and famine” in Gaza. Macron’s comments have raised further international pressure on Israel, which lashed out at him, claiming that there is no humanitarian blockade on Gaza.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/30/macron-threatens-sanctions-on-israelis-over-gaza-aid-crisis