Macron says Europe must ‘harden’ stance on Israel unless Gaza crisis eases

French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that Europe’s “collective position” on Israel must “harden” unless the humanitarian crisis in Gaza improves.

“It’s very clear today that we can not let this situation last,” Macron said during a visit to Singapore, adding to mounting pressure on Israel as humanitarian groups warn that many Gazans face starvation in the aftermath of an 11-week aid blockade.

“If there is not a response to the humanitarian situation in the next few hours today, we will have to harden the collective position,” Macron said at a press conference ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference.

The French president also said that recognition of a Palestinian state is a “moral duty” and a “political necessity.”

Macron, who is on a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, recently criticized Israel’s “shameful” policies in Gaza. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu accused him of siding with Hamas and spreading “blood libels.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also harshly criticized Israel’s offensive in Gaza earlier this week, saying it “can no longer be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism.”

The White House said Thursday that Israel had “signed off” on a U.S.-proposed plan for a 60-day ceasefire and hostage release deal, and that it was waiting for a formal response from Hamas.

A Hamas official told BBC Friday that the group was going to reject the U.S. proposal, as it did not satisfy core demands including an end to the war, and that it would respond in due course. However, Reuters reported Friday that the Palestinian militant group said it was reviewing the plan, and would respond that day or Saturday.