Macron says France will mull sanctions on Israel unless Gaza City offensive halted

French President Emmanuel Macron accuses Israel of pursuing “a permanent war” in Gaza, and says that a debate will be held in France over economic sanctions on Israel if it continues to pursue its operation in Gaza City.

Speaking to Channel 12 ahead of his expected recognition of a Palestinian state, Macron says that France’s top priority is the release of all the hostages, and that “we recognize the right of Israel to defend itself.”

He says that “Israel restored its credibility” in the region with its military successes after the October 7 attacks, but is now wreaking damage on its image in the world itself.

Israel has had “so many successes” in Gaza, he says. “Now let’s open a new phase.”

He says France is recognizing a Palestinian state to isolate Hamas, and to “trigger a series of new behaviors and new commitments.”

Asked about the possibility of Israel annexing parts of the West Bank in response to the recognition, Macron protests that “the West Bank has nothing to do with Hamas,” and that it is being pursued to kill the possibility of two states.