France has strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military actions and blockade in Gaza, calling the situation “indefensible.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday that France is “determined” to recognise a Palestinian state, and that he is working towards this goal to support a peaceful solution for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Barrot added, “We cannot leave the children of Gaza a legacy of violence and hatred. All this must stop.”
France is also supporting a move led by the Netherlands to review the European Union’s cooperation agreement with Israel. This agreement could be suspended if Israel is found violating human rights.
President Emmanuel Macron is expected to discuss this further at a UN conference in June, where France may officially recognise Palestine.
Meanwhile, Gaza continues to suffer. Over 3,000 Palestinians have been killed since March, and the total death toll in the ongoing conflict has reached more than 53,000. Food and humanitarian aid remain blocked, turning Gaza into what the French minister described as “a cemetery.”
In the US, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington is asking other countries to accept Palestinians who want to leave Gaza. However, critics say that with bombs falling, no food or clean water, it’s not a truly “voluntary” choice.
The world now watches as pressure builds on Israel—and hopes rise for a political solution and recognition of a Palestinian state.
