France denounces Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza aid distribution center

(MENAFN) France issued a strong condemnation on Tuesday over Israeli airstrikes that struck civilians gathered near an aid distribution site in Gaza, resulting in heavy casualties.

"France condemns the Israeli strikes that hit civilians gathered around an aid distribution center in Gaza last night, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries," a statement from the Foreign Ministry declared.

The statement reaffirmed France's "full support" for the United Nations and its humanitarian partners operating in the region, stressing that aid efforts "must not be exploited for political or military purposes."

France urged Israeli authorities to immediately permit unrestricted and extensive humanitarian access into Gaza. "France calls on the Israeli government to allow immediate, large-scale, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid in Gaza," the ministry stated.

The statement emphasized the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire and the release of all hostages. "The priority is immediate and permanent ceasefire, and the unconditional release of all hostages," it said, noting that France is actively working toward achieving that outcome.

Reports indicate that Tuesday’s airstrikes led to the deaths of at least 50 civilians—most of them people trying to access food—and left over 200 others wounded.

According to data from the UN Human Rights Office, since May 27, at least 503 Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid have been killed and approximately 3,000 injured by Israeli fire in Gaza.

Despite growing international pressure, the Israeli military has maintained its offensive in Gaza since October 2023. The campaign has reportedly killed nearly 56,000 Palestinians, the majority being women and children.

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