French FM suggests sanctions on 'Israel' to allow aid into Gaza
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France's Foreign Minister says France was one of the first countries to suggest imposing sanctions on the Israeli settlers committing violence in the West Bank.
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France's Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne attends a meeting with China's Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Monday, April 1, 2024. (AP)
France's Foreign Minister said today that pressure, and possibly sanctions, must be implemented on "Israel" to open crossings and allow the passage of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
Speaking with RFI radio and France 24, Stephane Sejourne said, "There must be levers of influence and there are multiple levers, going up to sanctions to let humanitarian aid cross checkpoints."
"France was one of the first countries to propose European Union sanctions on Israeli settlers who are committing acts of violence in the West Bank. We will continue if needed to obtain the opening of humanitarian aid," he added.
International aid agencies condemn six-month Israeli war on Gaza
The United Nations and other international aid organizations decried on April 7 the devastating toll of six months of the Israeli war in Gaza, warning that the situation in Gaza had become "beyond catastrophic."
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X that October 7 "does not justify the horrific ongoing bombardment, siege and health system demolition by Israel in Gaza, killing, injuring and starving hundreds of thousands of civilians, including aid workers."
"The deaths and grievous injuries of thousands of children in Gaza will remain a stain on all of humanity. This assault on present and future generations must end," he added.
"The denial of basic needs -- food, fuel, sanitation, shelter, security, and healthcare -- is inhumane and intolerable," Ghebreyesus stressed on X.
Tedros highlighted that over 70 percent of those who have been killed in Gaza have been women and children.
He stressed, "We urge all parties to silence their guns. We appeal for peace. Now."
According to the WHO, out of Gaza's 36 main hospitals, only 10 are still even partially functional.
Read more: International aid agencies condemn six-month Israeli war on Gaza
