France signals 'hardened stance' against Israel if Gaza blockade persists

ISTANBUL

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday signaled it would take a tougher stance against Israel if its humanitarian blockade persists in Gaza.

“Providing water, food, and medicine and allowing the wounded to be evacuated is a priority. Therefore, if a response that matches the scale of the humanitarian situation is not provided in the coming hours and days, then obviously the collective stance will have to be hardened,” Macron said during a joint news briefing with Singapore’s premier.

Macron described the situation in Gaza as “unbearable” and stressed that it cannot be allowed to continue, raising the possibility of sanctions against Israel.

He reiterated the need for a political solution to the unfolding humanitarian tragedy, warning that “the very possibility of a Palestinian state is being called into question.”

“We can clearly see that some people want to make the creation of a Palestinian state impossible. But what we are advocating for is a political resolution,” he said.

Recognizing a Palestinian state is a “moral duty” and “political imperative,” Macron added, urging all who support “the rights of peoples to determine their own freedom” to back it.

Europe ready for further sanctions against Russia

Macron also said Europe is prepared to impose further “deterrent sanctions” on Russia if it fails to negotiate with Ukraine or propose a ceasefire.

“We want to go further, and we ultimately want to tell the Ukrainians: we support you, and we are here to build a lasting peace with you,” he said.

Macron added that US President Donald Trump expressed his “impatience” over recent Russian strikes during a phone call they held two days ago.

“I do not believe that what comes after Kyiv is a matter of credibility for the Europeans. I think it is a test of credibility for the Americans. We Europeans have been consistent for the past three years. We are sanctioning Russia, we are helping Ukraine, and we do not want an escalation that would lead to a new world war,” Macron said.

Increased cooperation with Singapore

Macron also announced plans to strengthen France’s cooperation with Singapore.

"We will establish cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy to support Singapore in building its capabilities. We will share our expertise and know-how in decarbonized energy and electrical connectivity," he said.

He expressed interest in expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and space exploration.

He emphasized deepening longstanding ties in aviation, pointing to potential new projects involving Singapore’s airport – one of the most important in the world – as well as in the defense sector.

Macron arrived in Singapore on Thursday, the final stop of his three-nation Southeast Asian tour, after visits to Indonesia and Vietnam.