Barcelona has severed institutional relations with the Israeli government and terminated its twinning agreement with Tel Aviv, the municipality announced Friday. The decision stems from concerns related to the War on the Gaza Strip, according to reports in Palestinian media.

Macron’s Stance: A Moral and Political Imperative

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation in Gaza during the Shangri-La Dialog in Singapore, a major defense and security forum in Asia. He emphasized the critical need for international engagement.

If we abandon Gaza and we leave Israel to do whatever it wants,we will lose our credibility.

Emmanuel Macron, President of France

Mr. Macron asserted that recognizing a Palestinian state is not merely a moral obligation but also a political necessity, albeit one contingent on specific conditions.

Conditions for Recognition and European Unity

During a press conference in Singapore, Mr. Macron called for a unified European approach towards Israel, especially concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Europeans should tighten the collective position towards Israel if it does not provide a response to the level of the humanitarian situation during the coming hours and days in the Gaza Strip.

Emmanuel Macron, President of France

Mr. Macron outlined several prerequisites for recognizing a Palestinian state,including:

• The release of hostages held by Hamas.
• The disarmament of Hamas.
• Hamas’s exclusion from state governance.
• Reform of the Palestinian Authority.
• Israel’s recognition and right to secure existence.
• The establishment of a regional security framework.