Amid escalating tensions and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, France is calling for immediate and unhindered aid access. With Israel agreeing only to a limited reopening of supply routes, international concern is mounting over the risk of famine and the fate of civilians caught in the conflict.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has made a strong appeal to Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza, calling for an “immediate, massive and unhampered” resumption of assistance to the besieged Palestinian territory.
His statement on Sunday followed Israel's announcement that it would permit only a “basic amount” of aid to enter the Strip, where conditions have deteriorated significantly since the imposition of a blockade in early March.
“After three months of diplomatic efforts, the Israeli government finally announces the reopening of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Barrot wrote on social media platform X. “It must be immediate, massive and unhampered. It must put an end to the catastrophic humanitarian situation and definitively end the famine”.
European and Arab leaders call on Israel to stop the attacks in Gaza
Israel expands ground operations
Israel’s announcement came hours after its military began expanded ground operations across northern and southern Gaza, and amid renewed indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the limited aid entry was intended to prevent a full-blown hunger crisis, though the move falls far short of international demands.
Since the blockade began on 2 March, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached crisis levels.
United Nations agencies, Gaza’s health ministry, and multiple foreign governments have warned of famine, with growing shortages of food, clean water, fuel, and medicine.
According to Gaza health officials, 57 children have already died due to starvation – a number that is expected to rise.
France urges EU to reassess Israel trade partnership over Gaza rights abuses
'Collective punishment'
Netanyahu’s government has insisted that the blockade aims to exert pressure on Hamas and prevent the militant group from seizing humanitarian aid.
However, critics argue that the continued restrictions amount to collective punishment and exacerbate civilian suffering.
Barrot’s statement underscores France’s increasing impatience with Israel’s stance, reflecting broader international frustration as eports from Gaza describe extensive airstrikes, displacement, and mounting casualties.
On Sunday alone, over 50 Palestinians were reported killed, including 22 in an attack on tents sheltering displaced families in Al-Mawasi.
Survivors described harrowing scenes, with entire families wiped out.
France blasts Israel’s Gaza offensive, condemns civilian displacement 'very strongly'
Talks remain deadlocked
Meanwhile, diplomatic negotiations to end the conflict remain deadlocked as Israel insists on Hamas' total disarmament and the release of hostages as prerequisites for any ceasefire.
Hamas, for its part, has expressed willingness to release all hostages in exchange for a comprehensive, permanent ceasefire – an offer Israel has yet to accept.
While negotiations continue in Doha, with involvement from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, hopes for a breakthrough remain slim.
On the ground, Israeli forces are intensifying their operations, with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stating the military would provide “flexibility” to support any potential hostage deal.
