AhlulBayt News Agency: French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that France may impose sanctions on Israeli settlers if Tel Aviv does not lift the humanitarian blockade on Gaza.
During his visit to Singapore on Friday, Macron urged the international community to take action against the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza.
“If there is no response in the coming hours and days in line with the humanitarian situation, we will have to harden our collective position,” he stated, suggesting that France might consider sanctions against Israeli settlers.
“The humanitarian blockade is creating a situation that is untenable on the ground,” Macron said at a joint press conference with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza for nearly three months, with aid agencies warning of an impending famine.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused Macron of launching a “crusade” against Israel after he suggested that European nations should toughen their stance if Israel fails to address the humanitarian crisis.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated on Friday that Berlin would assess the humanitarian situation in Gaza before approving new weapons shipments to Israel.
Wadephul questioned whether Israel’s actions in Gaza comply with international law, saying, “We are examining this and, if necessary, we will authorize further arms deliveries based on this examination.”
Israel has reportedly used starvation as a weapon against Palestinians after failing to achieve its objectives through military bombardment.
Despite international calls to end the crisis, Israel has allowed only minimal aid into Gaza under the control of a new American NGO.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the US and Israel, has been criticized by the UN and other agencies for mismanagement and failing to adhere to humanitarian principles.
Reports indicate that GHF centers have become sites of violence, with Israeli forces opening fire on Palestinians attempting to access aid distribution points.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on Friday that it has been denied access to Gaza to deliver essential supplies, including food, hygiene kits, and medical aid.
Experts warn that one in five people in Gaza faces imminent starvation.
France and Saudi Arabia are set to co-host a UN conference from June 17-20 to discuss Israel’s security and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Since launching its military campaign on Gaza on October 7, 2023, Israel has killed at least 54,249 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
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