France condemns in 'strongest terms' Israel's plans to occupy Gaza

ISTANBUL

France on Friday condemned in the "strongest terms" the Israeli government's plan to occupy Gaza, reiterating its "firm opposition" to the scheme.

"France strongly condemns the plan adopted overnight by the Israeli government to once again extend its military operations to take control of Gaza City, with the aim of militarily controlling the entire Gaza Strip," the Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement.

It reiterated France's "firm opposition" to any plan to occupy the Gaza Strip and forcibly displace its population, underlining that such actions would lead to "serious violations of international law" and an "absolute deadlock."

"They would undermine the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians to live in peace within a viable, sovereign, and contiguous state, and would pose a threat to regional stability," the ministry said.

It further reaffirmed that France will continue to work for implementation of a two-state solution, stressing that the future of the Gaza Strip "must be part of a future Palestinian state led by the Palestinian Authority."

"France will continue the work initiated in New York, together with its partners and the United Nations, to deploy a temporary international stabilization mission to ensure the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. It calls on its partners and all other states to join this collective effort," it added, referring to a recent conference on a two-state solution.

On X, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also denounced the Israeli plan.

"France strongly condemns the Israeli government's plan aimed at preparing for the complete occupation of Gaza. Such an operation would worsen an already catastrophic situation without enabling the release of Hamas hostages, its disarmament, or its surrender," he wrote.