French President Emmanuel Macron has stepped up his criticism of Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, calling on the European Union to take a firmer stance and reevaluate its relationship with the Israeli government amid growing humanitarian concerns.
Speaking to European leaders and French media, Macron described the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian tragedy” and expressed frustration over what he sees as disproportionate use of force by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He reiterated his position that political dialogue — not continued military escalation — must be the path forward.
“We cannot act as if nothing is happening,” Macron said. “We are going to have to increase the pressure on these issues.”
Macron has been among the most vocal European heads of state in urging restraint from Israel since the intensification of the Gaza conflict in late 2024. In October, he openly called for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel, a move that sparked diplomatic friction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At the time, Macron argued that weapons potentially used in densely populated civilian areas should no longer be supplied.
His recent statements have revived debate within the EU over whether existing cooperation agreements with Israel — including preferential trade arrangements — should be reexamined in light of international humanitarian law.
French officials have also hinted at the possibility of proposing EU-wide sanctions or diplomatic pressure measures if civilian casualties in Gaza continue to mount.
While Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense, he emphasized that the response must remain proportionate and in accordance with international law. He also renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.
Macron’s evolving stance signals a shift in tone from earlier in the conflict, when France was largely aligned with U.S. and UK positions of cautious support for Israel’s military campaign. The growing civilian death toll, however, has prompted a recalibration.
As of mid-May 2025, over 30,000 Palestinians have been reported killed since the beginning of the IDF’s operations in Gaza, according to international monitors and local health authorities. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), have accused both sides of violations, but have increasingly turned their focus to Israel’s use of force in urban areas.
Whether Macron’s pressure will translate into tangible EU policy remains to be seen. So far, key EU members remain divided over the scope of action, with countries like Germany and the Czech Republic opposing any move that could be seen as isolating Israel diplomatically.
