France says nothing justifies continuation of Gaza war

ISTANBUL

France on Monday reiterated its condemnation of the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel but stressed that nothing can justify the continuation of the war in Gaza, while reaffirming its recognition of the State of Palestine.

Speaking at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the French representative said: “France reiterates its condemnations of the terrorist attacks of the seventh of October 2023 and we condemn them without the slightest proviso as nothing ever anywhere can justify terrorism, but nor does anything, anything today justify the continuation of the war in Gaza.”

She said the recognition of the state of Palestine by France on Sept. 22 “opens the path to a just and lasting peace in the interest of both the Israelis and the Palestinians. This recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people takes away nothing from the rights of the Israeli people, which France has supported from day one."

“The absolute priority is the immediate liberation of the 48 hostages. Alongside the end of military operations throughout Gaza and the immediate provision and unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance, Hamas must be disarmed and excluded from the governance to come in Gaza, as well as throughout the Palestinian territory,” she said.

She also underlined that “the second phase will be the stabilization and reconstruction in Gaza, and this must go through the establishment of a transition administration, including the Palestinian authorities, accompanied by security forces.”

“France is prepared to contribute to an international Stabilization Mission and to support, with European and international partners,” the French representative added.