For difference of opinion between France and Israel spoke, referring to the situation in Gaza, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France Catherine Colonna, underlining that for her country the immediate priority is the release of the hostages and then “a real, lasting, sustainable cease-fire to make it possible to provide of better aid to civilians”.

“We understand Israel’s need to ensure that Hamas cannot repeat its horrific attacks, but like most of our European and American partners, we have a clear message to Israel: that of conducting business in a different way. We call on Israel to take concrete steps to prevent excessive civilian casualtiesColonna said to the French television station Franceinfo. Continuing, the French foreign minister emphasized that her country asks Israel to open more entry points for the immediate provision of humanitarian aid and also to allow the distribution of this aid throughout the Gaza Strip and especially in its northern part.

“We are in contact with all partners for this purpose. As for France, which has already sent 200 tons of humanitarian aid, we are going to triple the amount of our aid within ten days. Our first ship will leave Le Havre on Wednesday and the second one a week later,” said Colonna.

Finally referring to the almost daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel on its border with Lebanon, Colonna noted that its goal is to contribute to de-escalation and avoid an ignition in the area.

“The risks of ignition are and remain high. We send the message to both parties that under these circumstances, it is their responsibility to do everything to avoid an escalation that would be uncontrollable. The border between Lebanon and Israel is extremely unstable,” the French foreign minister underlined.