Israel/Palestinian Territories – Fatal incidents as humanitarian aid was being distributed in Gaza (29 February 2024)

France expresses its very deep shock over the reports of a very significant number of Palestinian civilian deaths as humanitarian aid was being distributed in Gaza. The shots by Israeli soldiers against civilians trying to gain access to food supplies are unjustifiable.

We expect full light to be shed on the actions mentioned, which are extremely serious. In any event, it is Israel’s responsibility to abide by the rules of international law and protect the distribution of humanitarian aid to civilians.

This tragic event comes at a time when the humanitarian situation in Gaza is an absolute emergency and a growing and intolerable number of Palestinian civilians are suffering from hunger and disease.

An immediate and durable ceasefire is necessary as a matter of the utmost urgency, to allow the large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip. This remains France’s priority.