France Threatens Israel Sanctions Over Gaza Aid

French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned that France may impose sanctions on Israel if the humanitarian situation in Gaza does not improve, stressing the need for urgent aid and a political solution, including Palestinian statehood. France is urging European countries such as the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium to recognize Palestinian statehood at a UN conference in June, co-hosted with Saudi Arabia. This campaign is gaining international traction, with support from Australia and several European nations including Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain. Macron, together with Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, has called for mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine as a step towards peace. The United States continues to oppose unilateral recognition, citing concerns it could reward Hamas. Israel and its allies remain critical of the initiative, warning it could complicate efforts to resolve the conflict.