The ongoing conflict in Gaza has taken a significant turn with French President Emmanuel Macron's recent comments on the situation. The dire food security situation in Gaza, where one in five people are at risk of starvation due to the blockade, has prompted Macron to warn that France may toughen its stance against Israel if humanitarian aid is not allowed through.
Macron's statements came during a visit to Singapore, but his focus was clearly on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He condemned Israeli plans to control Gaza and forcibly remove Palestinians from their homeland. This move is part of an international conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia at the UN in New York, aimed at reviving the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel's Foreign Ministry responded sharply to Macron's comments, accusing him of launching a "crusade against the Jewish state." In response, Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to build a "Jewish Israeli state" in the occupied West Bank, viewing new settlements as a message to Macron and his associates. This escalation has put pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes a more aggressive approach against Hamas.
Hamas praised Macron's statements, suggesting they understand why he is taking this stance. The international community is now watching closely as tensions between France and Israel escalate, with Macron reaffirming his commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state as both a moral and political necessity.