France Condemns Israel's Plan To Occupy The Entire Gaza Region
JAKARTA - French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has strongly criticized Israel's latest plans to fully occupy the Gaza Strip.
"This (threat) is a very firm condemnation, because the plan is against international law," saidBarrot in an interview with the RTL television station, Tuesday, May 6.
The French Foreign Minister assessed Israel's plan to take complete control of the Gaza Strip, including the distribution of all humanitarian aid, was an "unacceptable" act.
The current urgent priority is a ceasefire, but also access to humanitarian aid massively and unrestrictedly. Because in the Gaza Strip -- the Palestinian people there -- are suffering a tragic shortage, said Barrot.
He emphasized that France, together with other countries, continues to strive to defend international humanitarian law.
"Even in a war situation, there are rules that must be respected: we do not target civilians, do not attack humanitarian workers, and must ensure that humanitarian aid can still reach the community," he stressed, highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of the law of war.
Barrot also warned of the risk of mass hunger in Gaza and called for an immediate opening of access to aid.
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"France urges Israel to implement a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to reach the population in the Gaza region," he continued.
In addition, Barrot said France could recognize the Palestinian State when other countries were also taking similar steps and there was a shared commitment to enforce it.