The Israeli government has accused French President Emmanuel Macron of undertaking a “crusade against the Jewish state” after he called for European countries to harden their stance on Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel’s foreign ministry defended its efforts to allow aid into Gaza, stating that “there is no humanitarian blockade. That is a blatant lie.”
However, Macron has stepped up his support for the Palestinians, warning that European countries should “harden the collective position” against Israel if it does not respond appropriately to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Macron emphasized the importance of addressing the Gaza crisis, stating, “If we abandon Gaza, if we consider there is a free pass for Israel, even if we do condemn the terrorist attacks, we will kill our credibility.”
He also called for the recognition of a Palestinian state, with some conditions, saying it is “not only a moral duty, but a political necessity.” France is set to co-host an international conference at the UN in New York, aimed at reviving the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, an outcome opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
The Israeli foreign ministry responded strongly to Macron’s comments, stating, “Hamas, for its part, has already praised Macron’s statements. Hamas knows why.” This reaction highlights the deepening tensions between Israel and France, with Israel accusing Macron of rewarding terrorism and Macron pushing for increased pressure on Israel to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Key Quotes
- “There is no humanitarian blockade. That is a blatant lie.” – Israel’s foreign ministry
- “If we abandon Gaza, if we consider there is a free pass for Israel, even if we do condemn the terrorist attacks, we will kill our credibility.” – Emmanuel Macron
- “Not only a moral duty, but a political necessity.” – Emmanuel Macron on recognizing a Palestinian state
- “Hamas, for its part, has already praised Macron’s statements. Hamas knows why.” – Israel’s foreign ministry