France’s foreign minister said on Tuesday that Paris “very strongly” condemns Israel’s new military campaign in the Gaza Strip. His comments come a day after Israel’s military said expanded operations in Gaza would include displacing “most” of its residents.
On Monday Israel’s security cabinet approved the military’s plan for expanded operations, which an Israeli official said would entail “the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories”.
“It’s unacceptable,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said in an interview with RTL radio, adding the Israeli government was “in violation of humanitarian law.”
Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said the planned offensive will include “moving most of the population of the Gaza Strip… to protect them”.
The decision by the security cabinet, which includes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers, came after the army called up tens of thousands of reservists.
Israel’s decision comes as the United Nations and aid organisations have repeatedly warned of the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground, with famine again looming after more than two months of a total Israeli blockade.
UN spokesman said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “alarmed” by the Israeli plan that “will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza”.
The European Union also voiced concern and urged restraint from Israel.
Hamas said the proposed aid framework amounted to “political blackmail”.
(with AFP)
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