SINGAPORE – French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European nations to adopt a tougher stance toward Israel if it fails to respond appropriately to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying action must be taken within “the next few hours and days.”
During a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, which included visits to Vietnam and Indonesia, Macron emphasized that escalating pressure on Israel may include dropping assumptions that human rights are being respected and implementing sanctions.
“If there is no response that matches the urgency of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, we will have to harden our collective position,” Macron stated in Singapore. “This means moving beyond assumptions and applying sanctions if necessary.”
The French leader also reiterated France’s support for recognizing a Palestinian state under specific conditions, calling it “not only a moral duty, but a political necessity.” Macron said such recognition would depend on the demilitarization of Hamas and acknowledgment of Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.
Earlier in Jakarta, Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto issued a joint statement opposing Israel’s plans to assert control over Gaza and condemning any efforts to forcibly displace the Palestinian population.
Despite limited humanitarian aid recently entering Gaza after more than two months of Israeli blockade, conditions remain dire. Food security experts warn that starvation threatens roughly one in five people in the territory. Meanwhile, Israel has intensified military operations in what it describes as a renewed campaign to eliminate Hamas, whose attack on October 7, 2023, sparked the current war.
Macron: Ukraine Crisis a “Credibility Test” for the United States
Also in Singapore, Macron addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, asserting that Washington faces a major “credibility test” as Russia continues to resist ceasefire proposals and maintain its offensive.
Speaking ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defence and security summit, Macron criticized the lack of follow-through on U.S. threats to impose further sanctions on Russia. “If Russia confirms it is not ready to make peace, the U.S. must demonstrate its commitment by enforcing sanctions,” he said.
Macron disclosed that he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump 48 hours earlier, noting Trump’s growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Now the question is: What do we do? We Europeans are ready,” Macron said.
He urged the U.S. and its allies to consider “much more massive sanctions” to pressure Russia into ending the conflict that began with its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Macron visited Kyiv alongside other European leaders to deliver an ultimatum to Russia, demanding a ceasefire—a move reportedly coordinated with Washington.
Russia’s invasion has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction across eastern and southern Ukraine.
