French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné stated on Tuesday that pressure must be applied, and possibly sanctions imposed on Israel to open the crossings for the entry of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Séjourné told RFI radio and France 24 television, “There must be means of pressure, and there are various means up to sanctions to allow the passage of humanitarian aid through checkpoints.”
The French minister added, “France was among the first countries to propose that the European Union impose sanctions on Israeli settlers committing acts of violence in the West Bank. We will continue, if necessary, until we can facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid,” according to Reuters.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported on Monday that at least 33,207 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing conflict for six months.
It’s noted that most of the 2.3 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip are homeless and on the brink of famine.
Since the onset of the Gaza war on October 7, France’s stance has evolved, showcasing a complex interplay of diplomatic, humanitarian, and internal political dynamics. Initially, French President Macron affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and called for a strong response to Hamas’s attacks. This position faced criticism, prompting France to adopt a more balanced approach in the subsequent weeks. Macron’s visit to the region, including meetings with both Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, highlighted France’s attempt to maintain neutrality and foster dialogue.
France has also been proactive on the humanitarian front, significantly increasing its aid to Gaza from €20 million to €100 million and hosting a humanitarian conference aimed at raising funds for Gaza. Moreover, France’s diplomatic efforts have included engaging with key regional and Western partners, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and the resumption of political discussions towards a two-state solution.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna’s statement in January, advocating for adherence to international law and the Palestinian right to determine Gaza’s future, marked a notable shift in France’s position. This was accompanied by a coordinated air drop of humanitarian aid to Gaza, in partnership with Jordan, reflecting France’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis.
