İlayda Çakırtekin
22 May 2025•Update: 22 May 2025
ISTANBUL
France on Thursday expressed its readiness for further national sanctions against Israel, saying the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.
"We will not hesitate to take further measures, including targeted national sanctions," French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine said at a weekly press briefing.
He stressed that they are "prepared" to take "concrete measures" if Israel continues its offensive in Gaza and reaffirmed that "nothing is off the table" regarding sanctions, although adding that they would be discussed at the "European level."
"The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. The announcements made yesterday by Israel to allow the entry of a minimal amount of food into the Gaza Strip are completely insufficient," Lemoine noted.
He called on the Israeli government to stop its military operations in Gaza and to "immediately" allow the entry of humanitarian aid.
"Israel must put an end to settlements, which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state as well as the security of both Israelis and Palestinians," Lemoine added.
He reaffirmed that France "strongly supports" the efforts made by the US, Qatar and Egypt for a ceasefire in Gaza.
"We are determined to recognize a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution, and we are ready to work with others," Lemoine reassured.
He said France welcomes the review of the Association Agreement between the EU and Israel, adding that the decision would be taken by all member states.
"This is an important point, as the Association Agreement is the framework agreement governing relations between Israel and the European Union, which includes provisions for political dialogue, cooperation measures, and also commercial measures. Therefore, the review that is being initiated will be extremely significant," Lemoine added.
He also reiterated the importance of the review by pointing out the fact that the EU is one of Israel's main markets.
