Israel says France's Macron on 'crusade against the Jewish state'

In an escalation of its rhetoric against President Emmanuel Macron, Israel's foreign ministry said the leader of France of was on a "crusade against the Jewish state".

The criticism came before Macron threatened sanctions against Israel if it does not act to prevent starvation in Gaza. 

Macron had warned earlier on Friday that he could “apply sanctions” against Israeli settlers unless Israel responds to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“The humanitarian blockade is creating a situation that is untenable on the ground,” Macron said at a joint news conference in Singapore.