Macron Condemns Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Amid Trump’s Regional Tour and Israeli Escalation
French President Emmanuel Macron denounces the worsening conditions in Gaza as “unbearable” and seeks urgent talks with Netanyahu and Trump, signaling a shift from past alignment with Israeli narratives.
Watan-On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is “unacceptable”, adding that he hopes to soon discuss the matter with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. Macron emphasized:
“The situation in Gaza is unbearable.”
This marks a notable evolution in Macron’s tone toward Israel’s actions, especially when compared to his earlier years in office. In the past, Macron maintained a more cautious, centrist stance, often defending Israel’s “right to self-defense” and emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He was also hesitant to issue strong public condemnations of Israeli military actions.
However, the scale of devastation in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has drawn mounting criticism globally. Macron’s increasingly vocal concern aligns with growing international outrage, especially following Israel’s intensified bombing campaign during Trump’s recent Middle East tour.
Israeli Crimes Escalate During Trump’s Visit
As Trump toured Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza reached new levels of brutality. In just the first three days of Trump’s visit, Israeli forces killed more than 260 Palestinians, a sharp increase from the 78 killed in the previous three days.
These attacks targeted densely populated civilian areas, resulting in the deaths of children, women, and the elderly, as confirmed by Gaza’s Ministry of Health and multiple humanitarian agencies. Reports indicated widespread destruction of residential neighborhoods, hospitals, and schools, compounded by a complete blockade on food, water, and medical aid.
Human rights organizations and UN officials have repeatedly warned that Israel’s actions amount to war crimes and ethnic cleansing, exacerbated by unconditional U.S. support under Trump, who has praised Israeli actions while avoiding any calls for restraint or accountability.
Macron’s Evolving Vision
Macron’s recent statements reflect a growing rift with Israeli leadership and frustration with Washington’s alignment under Trump. In contrast to his previous moderation, Macron now increasingly advocates for:
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Immediate humanitarian access to Gaza
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An end to indiscriminate bombings
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Accountability for potential war crimes
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Reviving multilateral diplomacy centered on Palestinian rights
This shift is echoed by his administration’s growing support for European Union measures against arms transfers to Israel and calls for an international investigation into crimes committed in Gaza.
Macron’s decision to speak out during Trump’s tour signals France’s intent to reassert a more independent and principled foreign policy, particularly as public opinion in France and across Europe turns sharply against Israeli impunity in Gaza.
President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration that the Gaza crisis is “unbearable” reflects a turning point in French foreign policy. With Israel escalating its war on Gaza during Trump’s regional tour, Macron is positioning France as a potential counterweight to U.S.-Israeli unilateralism.
His call for urgent talks with Netanyahu and Trump may signal an attempt to halt the growing humanitarian catastrophe and reinvigorate the international demand for justice and accountability in Gaza.
