French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday offered a grim portrayal of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, labeling the conditions there as “intolerable” and announcing plans to consult both Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump on the deepening conflict, according to Reuters.
Speaking from a summit of European leaders in Albania, Macron conveyed the alarming scope of the situation and the need for immediate action. “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is intolerable,” Macron declared. “We are reaching a level that we have never seen before, in terms of the humanitarian impact, since the beginning of this.”
Macron stressed that bringing an end to the violence between Israel and Hamas is critical and must be paired with the rapid reestablishment of humanitarian relief efforts in the region.
He noted that he intends to raise the matter personally with major players in the region and on the global stage. “I will have the opportunity to speak about this with Prime Minister Netanyahu and I have also raised the matter with President Trump,” Macron stated.
The French president has frequently taken a tough stance against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. He has twice called for halting arms shipments to Israel, asserting that “stopping the export of weapons” used in Gaza and Lebanon is the only way to curb the fighting with Hamas and Hezbollah.
Just last week, Macron warned that Israel’s actions in Gaza could potentially violate international humanitarian standards.
On Tuesday, he delivered a scathing rebuke of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of aid delivery to Gaza, describing the policy as disgraceful. He also floated the possibility of additional penalties. “What he’s doing is shameful,” Macron said.
“My job is to do everything I can to make it stop,” he continued, adding that the European Union may reconsider its cooperation agreements with Israel in light of recent developments.
Responding to Macron’s criticism, Netanyahu’s office released a sharply worded statement. “Macron has once again chosen to stand with a murderous Islamist terrorist organization and echo its despicable propaganda, accusing Israel of blood libels.”
“Israel is engaged in a multi-front war for its very existence following the horrific massacre committed by Hamas against innocent people on October 7th, including the murder and kidnapping of dozens of French nationals.”
The statement continued, “Instead of supporting the Western democratic camp fighting the Islamist terrorist organizations and calling for the release of the hostages, Macron is once again demanding that Israel surrender and reward terrorism.”
“Israel will not stop and will not surrender.”
{Matzav.com Israel}