France Condemns Israeli Gaza Plan, Calls for Sanctions, Warns of Famine as Hospitals Face Collapse

France has issued a strong condemnation of Israel's announced plan to expand its military operations and seize control of the Gaza Strip, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stating the plan is 'not acceptable' and 'contrary to international law.' Barrot described the situation as a 'crime innommable' and called for sanctions against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these concerns, describing the humanitarian situation in Gaza as 'the most critical we have ever known' and 'inacceptable,' and called for an immediate end to Israel's blockade, which has been in place since March 2, to allow humanitarian aid to enter the enclave. Macron also demanded respect for human rights in Gaza and rejected forced displacement policies. French officials have reiterated support for a two-state solution as the only solution for peace and have called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the disarmament of Hamas. France has indicated it may recognize the State of Palestine at an upcoming United Nations conference in June and has stated it respects the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Netanyahu. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with medical officials reporting that hospitals are on the verge of shutting down due to severe shortages of fuel, medicines, and medical supplies. The health system is described as nearly collapsed, with staff forced to ration care, choose between patients, and unable to treat all wounded and sick individuals. The Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza has warned it could cease operations within hours due to a critical fuel shortage. Medical staff from Doctors Without Borders report difficulties in mobility, further impacting care. Officials warn that if hospitals stop functioning, hundreds of patients could face death. There is also a real risk of famine due to the ongoing blockade. Qatar and Egypt have reaffirmed their ongoing and coordinated mediation efforts, in close cooperation with the United States, to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis. Both countries have rejected attempts to sow discord between them and emphasized their unified vision to end the war and alleviate civilian suffering. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has also called the humanitarian situation in Gaza 'untenable' and demanded that humanitarian aid resume immediately.