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Macron calls recognising Palestinian state a 'moral duty'

French president called on European countries to harden their stance on Israel unless the humanitarian crisis in the ravaged Gaza Strip improved.

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French president Emmanuel Macron said Friday that European countries should "harden the collective position" against Israel if it does not respond appropriately to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, reports FRANCE 24.

With international pressure mounting on Israel over the deepening hunger crisis in Gaza, Macron said action was needed "in the next few hours and days".

He also asserted recognition of a Palestinian state with conditions was "not only a moral duty, but a political necessity".

If there was no response in line with the humanitarian situation in Gaza "in the coming hours and days ... we will have to harden our collective position," Macron said on a visit to Singapore.

This meant dropping an assumption that human rights were being respected "and apply sanctions", the French leader said hours before addressing a defence summit in the city-state.

Read more of this report from FRANCE 24.

La rédaction de Mediapart

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