French Prime Minister Jean Castex told the National Assembly on Tuesday that France had asked Israel to “ensure rapid and unimpeded access for aid to Gaza”, after the closure of the main Kerem Shalom crossing.
Castex stressed that “today a humanitarian convoy was allowed to enter into Gaza and this movement must continue.”
His comments came at a time when the international community is trying to contain the bloody escalation between Israel and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Israel started bombing the besieged coastal strip run by Hamas on May 10. The escalation was sparked after clashes broke out at east Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound, one of Islam's holiest sites, as well as over planned Israeli evictions of Palestinians from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
Israeli air strikes have killed at least 217 Palestinians, including 63 children, in Gaza since May 10, the enclave's health ministry said.
“France has called and extremely firmly calls on all actors to put an immediate end to all violence, all provocations, and all incitement to hatred to allow a return to calm,” said Castex during the government questioning session.
The PM also asked for the protection of “humanitarian and medical personnel” and to ensure “the safety of journalists”.
However, Castex’ response sparked the anger of MP Meyer Habib, who identifies himself as close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Habib, from of the Union of Democrats and Independents (UDI), left the chamber furious before the end of the PM’s speech.
The MP was angry after Castex failed to mention any “word about Israeli civilians”, deeming the PM’s speech a “scandal.”
