French President Emmanuel Macron demands immediate UN action, calling Israel’s expanded Gaza campaign a recipe for “permanent war” and humanitarian catastrophe.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday issued his sharpest condemnation yet of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, warning that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s newly approved plan to expand combat in Gaza City and Al Mawasi risks plunging the region into “a disaster of unprecedented gravity”.
Speaking to reporters, Macron urged the United Nations Security Council to take immediate measures to halt the escalation and called for an instant, permanent ceasefire:
“Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City is a headlong rush into permanent war. This must stop now.”
His remarks follow Israel’s Security Cabinet decision to authorize a broader offensive targeting the last two major Hamas strongholds in Gaza. Netanyahu defended the move, insisting Israel is “applying force judiciously” and that 70–75% of Gaza is already under Israeli military control.
“We have two remaining strongholds — Gaza City and the central camps in Al Mawasi. We have no choice but to finish the job and defeat Hamas completely,” Netanyahu said Sunday.
Macron’s Growing Rift With Israel
Monday’s comments are the latest in a string of Macron’s public clashes with Netanyahu’s Gaza policy:
- Twice calling for an arms embargo on Israel to halt the conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah
- Warning that ongoing IDF actions may breach international humanitarian law
- Condemning Israel’s handling of humanitarian aid as “shameful” and urging European sanctions
- Announcing last month that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine
Macron also stressed that both Israeli hostages and Gaza’s civilian population will remain “the primary victims” of Israel’s current strategy, which he claims will entrench — rather than resolve — the war.
As tensions rise between Paris and Jerusalem, international pressure on Israel’s military campaign is intensifying, with Macron positioning France at the forefront of European diplomatic confrontation over Gaza.
