Macron Threatens Sanctions on Israelis as Gaza Faces Aid Crisis

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - French President Emmanuel Macron warned that his country could impose sanctions on Israeli citizens unless Tel Aviv responds to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Macron's strong statement was made during his visit to Singapore on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Macron stated that the international community cannot remain silent while Palestinians in Gaza face an escalating food crisis. His comments further heightened international pressure on Israel, which has blockaded the Palestinian enclave for nearly three months, with aid agencies warning of an impending famine.

“The humanitarian blockade is creating a situation that is untenable on the ground," Macron said at a press conference with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as reported by Al Jazeera.

“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 said. He hinted that France may consider imposing sanctions on Israeli settlers.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Macron's statement. "The facts do not interest Macron," it said. The ministry claimed that there is no humanitarian blockade in Gaza. Israel stated otherwise, calling it a big lie. This statement contradicts the views of senior UN officials and international organizations, who have repeatedly stated that Israel has blocked all aid entry since March 2.

Israel recently stated that they are bowing to international pressure. Israel will also allow minimal food and medicine supplies into Gaza, which continues to face intensive military attacks.

In his comments, Macron urged an end to the assumption that Israel respects human rights. "But I still hope that the government of Israel will change its stance and that we will finally have a humanitarian response," he said.

The French leader also stressed that recognition of the Palestinian state "is not only a moral duty, but also a political necessity," although he added that the formation of the Palestinian state must meet certain requirements.

The statement was made following a joint statement earlier this week with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who condemned Israel's plans to take over Gaza or expel its residents.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian organization Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) reported that the healthcare system in northern Gaza has been completely paralyzed due to Israeli attacks. According to MER-C's statement on Friday, Israeli occupation forces launched an attack on May 28 in northern Gaza, causing essential medical services to be completely paralyzed.

The attack also destroyed major infrastructure, including power sources, water, and medical gas supplies at the Indonesian Hospital. Despite dwindling food supplies, a number of Indonesian Hospital staff and local MER-C volunteers refused to be evacuated. As reported by Antara, they remained inside the medical facility to continue providing medical services to Gaza residents.

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