France and Israel are embroiled in an escalating diplomatic row over the continuing military operation in Gaza, with France condemning Israel's actions and threatening stronger measures should the humanitarian situation deteriorate further.
Tensions reached a new height as France criticised Israel for its handling of aid access to Gaza, where a worsening blockade has left thousands, especially children, on the brink of starvation. The crisis has triggered outrage across Europe and beyond.
A recent report from the United Nations indicated that approximately 70,000 children were facing life-threatening malnutrition, with 14,000 infants in danger of dying within days. So far, over 30 people have died from hunger-related causes, with many others approaching irreversible organ failure.
Amid increasing international pressure—including from longstanding allies such as the United States—Israel permitted a limited number of aid trucks to enter parts of Gaza. However, humanitarian observers described this as grossly inadequate for the besieged population of two million.
Responding to the crisis, the French foreign ministry issued a forthright statement on 20 May, directly criticising Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian relief.
"It (the situation) is unsustainable because the Israeli government's blind violence, the blocking of humanitarian aid, has turned Gaza into a place for dying, not to say a cemetery," said French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
"This is completely insufficient," Barrot added. "All this must stop. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Gazans. This aid must be immediate, massive, and without any hindrance."
France then joined with other key Western nations, including Canada and the United Kingdom, in issuing a joint statement condemning Israel’s blockade and warning of sanctions should the restrictions continue.
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The French government has emerged as one of the most vocal Western critics of Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza and has called on the international community to intensify pressure on the Netanyahu government to secure a ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded in kind, accusing France, the UK, and Canada of emboldening Hamas. "You're on the wrong side of humanity, and you're on the wrong side of history," Netanyahu declared.
Former Israeli diplomat Yaki Dayan also offered a defence of Tel Aviv’s strategy. "It's hard to convince at least some people, definitely on the far left in the US and in some countries in Europe, that what Israel is doing is a war of defence," Dayan said.
"But this is how it is perceived in Israel, and bridging this gap is sometimes an impossible mission," he added.
Franco-Israeli relations have been steadily deteriorating in recent months, as Paris adopts a firmer tone and calls for more decisive global action on the crisis.
The diplomatic standoff could intensify further on 18 June, when France is reportedly considering recognising a Palestinian state during a meeting in New York, a move likely to provoke a strong response from Israel.
Adding to the strain was a recent incident on 21 May, when Israeli soldiers reportedly opened fire on an international delegation visiting the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. The group included diplomats from France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Germany, Canada, Russia, Turkey, and Arab states such as Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco.
The Israeli military is accused of targeting the convoy without warning. "There was a first burst, then continuous gunfire. No warning shots. No warning. Just direct fire," said a diplomat who was present. "The Israeli soldiers were about 15 meters away. They could clearly see they were facing diplomats," he added.
While no injuries were reported, the French foreign ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador on 23 May. "This is unacceptable," tweeted Barrot, echoing the condemnation expressed by European and United Nations officials.
As June approaches, the possibility of France formally recognising Palestinian statehood looms large over already tense bilateral ties. Observers suggest that if Paris follows through, it could mark a turning point in European diplomacy on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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