Israel has issued a forceful response to French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of launching a “crusade against the Jewish state” after he called on European nations to take a firmer line against Israel if the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is not addressed.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry denounced Macron’s remarks, particularly rejecting the claim that Israel is imposing a humanitarian blockade. The ministry labeled the allegation “a blatant lie” and insisted that Israel is actively working to provide humanitarian assistance while ensuring it does not fall into the hands of Hamas.
“In the first effort, nearly 900 aid trucks have already entered Gaza from Israel this week,” the ministry said. “Hundreds of these trucks are still waiting for the UN to collect and distribute them in Gaza.”
A second initiative, according to the ministry, involves the recently established Gaza Humanitarian Fund, an international project supported by the U.S. and other allies. Since its launch earlier this week, the fund has already supplied two million meals and tens of thousands of aid packages to civilians in Gaza.
“This direct aid to the population in Gaza — bypassing Hamas — is already changing the situation on the ground and has the potential to seriously harm the terrorists and shorten the war,” the ministry said.
Instead of focusing on defeating those responsible for terrorism, the ministry accused Macron of trying to empower them through political concessions. “No doubt it’s national day will be October 7,” the statement said, referring to the date of the Hamas attack that sparked the war.
The Foreign Ministry also criticized Macron’s consideration of penalties against Israeli residents in Judea and Samaria, especially as Israel faces what it described as a coordinated assault on multiple fronts aimed at its destruction.“And it is against Israel — under attack on multiple fronts in an attempt to destroy it — that Macron seeks to impose sanctions,” the statement said. “Hamas, for its part, has already praised Macron’s statements. Hamas knows why.”
Speaking at a news conference in Singapore on Friday, Macron reiterated France’s support for the establishment of a Palestinian state and warned that Europe may respond with coordinated pressure if Israel doesn’t ease restrictions on Gaza.“The humanitarian blockade is creating a situation that is untenable on the ground,” Macron said alongside Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. “If there is no response that meets the humanitarian situation in the coming hours and days, obviously, we will have to toughen our collective position.” He also mentioned the potential for sanctions against Israeli settlers.
While voices criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza continue to grow, Macron emphasized that France remains committed to seeking a diplomatic end to the conflict.“The existence of a Palestinian state is not just simply a moral duty but also a political necessity,” he said.
{Matzav.com}