France voices ‘deep concern’ over Israeli raid at Gaza hospital

ATHENS

France on Wednesday expressed “deep concern” over the Israeli military’s raid at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza.

“It stresses the absolute need for Israel to comply with international humanitarian law, which explicitly calls for the protection of hospital infrastructure and the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and precaution at all times and in all places. Any use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes is unacceptable,” a French Foreign Ministry statement said.

“The Palestinian people must not be made to pay for Hamas’s crimes. This particularly applies to people who are vulnerable, injured or sick, and to humanitarian personnel who are bravely continuing to carry out their work in extremely dangerous conditions,” it added.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 11,320 Palestinians have been killed, including nearly 7,800 women and children, and over 29,200 others have been injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have been damaged or destroyed in the Israeli offensive.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, stands at 1,200, according to official figures.