Macron blasts 'Israel' for blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 00:50
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French President Macron condemns 'Israel' for blocking aid to Gaza, calling the situation shameful and urging US pressure on Netanyahu.

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French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the Mariinsky Palace in Kiev, Ukraine, on May 10, 2025. (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday denounced the Israeli occupation's actions in Gaza, sharply criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for obstructing humanitarian aid. Speaking to TF1 television, Macron described the blockade as both “unacceptable” and “shameful,” underscoring the urgency of allowing critical supplies to reach Palestinian civilians.

“What the government of Benjamin Netanyahu is doing is unacceptable... There is no water, no medicine, the wounded cannot get out, the doctors cannot get in. What he is doing is shameful,” Macron stated, voicing his frustration over the deepening humanitarian crisis in the besieged Strip.

Calling for decisive international pressure, Macron stressed the role of the United States, saying, “We need the United States. President (Donald) Trump has the levers. I have had tough words with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I got angry, but they (Israel) don't depend on us, they depend on American weapons.”

The French president recalled his visit to the Egypt-Palestine border earlier this year, where he witnessed firsthand the obstacles preventing aid from reaching Palestinians in Gaza. “All the aid that France and other countries deliver is blocked by the Israelis,” Macron noted.

Israeli newspaper Maariv warned that a potential reassessment of the agreement between the European Union and "Israel" could be "an earthquake in relations.

Gaza hospital massacre draws international outrage

As Macron's remarks circulated widely, reports emerged of another deadly Israeli occupation assault targeting healthcare facilities. Al Mayadeen’s correspondent confirmed that Israeli airstrikes struck multiple parts of the Gaza European Hospital. The bombing hit the entrance to the emergency department, the courtyard between the maintenance and anthropology sections, and areas near two shelter centers, Ehsan al-Agha and Jenin.

The attack caused widespread destruction, killing dozens and injuring scores, with many victims still trapped beneath rubble.

Humanitarian collapse escalates across Gaza

According to Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, at least 28 bodies were recovered from the area surrounding the hospital, which was hit with no fewer than six missiles. Over 70 others were injured, many critically. The strike led to structural collapses and overwhelmed the already strained healthcare infrastructure.

In response, the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis declared a state of maximum emergency, unable to absorb the wave of casualties or accommodate transferred patients from the now-disabled hospital.

Gaza death toll surpasses 52,900 as rescue efforts falter

The Gaza Ministry of Health announced that the death toll from the Israeli occupation's war on Gaza has exceeded 52,900 since October 7, 2023, with over 119,700 injured. More than 2,700 Palestinians have been martyred since March 18 alone, with over 7,600 wounded.

Rescue efforts remain paralyzed due to the intensity of Israeli attacks. Hundreds of bodies lie beneath rubble or in inaccessible areas, while ambulance and civil defense crews continue to be targeted, hindering emergency responses in what officials have described as a deliberate attempt to cripple humanitarian operations.

Macron described the Gaza situation as “the most serious humanitarian crisis we have known” since October 7, noting that while it is not his role to declare it a genocide, such a designation would be left to historians.