SINGAPORE (Realist English). French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Paris may impose sanctions on Israeli settlers if Israel fails to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, as international pressure mounts over what aid groups describe as a deepening famine.
Speaking during a visit to Singapore on Friday, Macron urged swift action to ease the humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged Palestinian enclave, now entering its third month under near-total Israeli blockade.
“The humanitarian blockade is creating an untenable situation on the ground,” Macron said at a joint press conference with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. “If there is no response in the coming hours and days… we will have to harden our collective position.”
Macron suggested France may lead the way in sanctioning radical settler groups unless Israel allows unrestricted aid access. His comments came amid growing European unease over Israel’s military campaign and its impact on civilians.
Israeli backlash
Israel’s Foreign Ministry reacted sharply, accusing Macron of launching a “crusade” against the Israeli government. The accusation followed Macron’s earlier call for European nations to adopt a tougher line if humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate.
Germany signals review of arms sales
Separately, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that Berlin is reassessing future arms transfers to Israel in light of concerns about international law violations.
“We are examining whether Israel’s actions comply with international law,” Wadephul said. “Future deliveries will depend on the results of this legal review.”
Germany is one of Israel’s top defense partners, and any suspension of weapons transfers would mark a significant shift in Berlin’s long-standing support.
Gaza under siege
Aid agencies warn that famine is now imminent in parts of Gaza, with Israeli authorities allowing only minimal relief deliveries — and primarily through a U.S.-linked NGO, bypassing UN channels.
Despite international appeals, Israel has maintained the blockade following months of intense bombardment, failing to secure its stated military objectives in the densely populated strip.
The coordinated pressure from France and Germany marks a notable pivot in European diplomacy. Macron’s threat of sanctions on settlers — a politically sensitive group within Israel — signals that Western patience is nearing its limit. If humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate, the EU may be forced to rethink both its rhetorical and material support for Israel, putting unprecedented strain on long-standing alliances.