The French government strongly denounced the decision of the Israeli government on Thursday evening to expand its military operations in the Gaza Strip, aimed at taking total control of the city of Gaza. This new extension of hostilities arouses a deep concern in Paris.
In an official press release, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs recalls “its firm opposition to any project to occupy the Gaza Strip and forced displacement of its population”. France considers these actions as serious violations of international law which would only lead to an impasse, compromising the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians to live in peace in a viable, sovereign and contiguous state.
The ministry also stresses that these military operations would in no way guarantee the security of Israel or that of its nationals, in particular hostages still held by Hamas in the region. France launches an urgent appeal to Hamas for the immediate and unconditional liberation of these hostages and invites this movement to accept the cease-fire proposals, thus avoiding prolonging the sufferings of the civilian populations.
In addition, Paris calls for the disarmament of Hamas and its surrender, emphasizing the fact that the future of the Gaza Strip must be part of a future Palestinian State under the authority of the Palestinian Authority.
France reaffirms its commitment to the two -state solution, “the only one that can guarantee sustainable peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians”. It is based in particular on the agreements and steps started at the New York conference, co-chaired with Saudi Arabia.
Finally, Paris calls on the international community to support the deployment of a temporary international mission of stabilization in the region, to ensure the security of the Israeli and Palestinian populations, and invites its partners as well as all the States to engage collectively in this dynamic.
