France condemns Israeli strikes in Gaza, urges ceasefire compliance

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has strongly criticized Israel's recent military actions in Gaza, describing them as violations of the ceasefire agreement reached in Sharm el-Sheikh. Speaking to reporters before an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, Barrot stated he "deplores the recent violations of the ceasefire, including Israeli strikes on Gaza," while emphasizing that "all parties must strictly respect the commitments they made."

Comprehensive Approach to Gaza Stability

The French diplomat outlined a multi-faceted approach to stabilizing Gaza, calling on Hamas to "cease violence against civilians" and return the remains of remaining hostages. He advocated for strengthening the EU Border Assistance Mission in Rafah to facilitate both passenger and goods movement into Gaza, and proposed expanding the EU's policing mission (EUPOL COPPS) from the West Bank to train Palestinian security forces for Gaza deployment under a UN mandate.

International Reconstruction and Humanitarian Efforts

Barrot confirmed France's commitment to co-organize an international conference with Egypt, the United States, and other partners in the coming weeks to coordinate humanitarian assistance and reconstruction in Gaza. He reiterated French support for the US-led ceasefire plan that includes rebuilding the territory and revitalizing political dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, while backing the establishment of an administrative committee and UN-mandated Palestinian police force for security.

Parallel Support for Ukraine

Turning to European security matters, the minister announced continued EU support for Ukraine as the conflict reaches its 1,000th day. He revealed a new European Commission loan designed to help Ukraine defend itself "for at least three years," with repayment expected through future Russian reparations. Barrot also proposed fresh sanctions targeting Russia's energy infrastructure and major companies like Rosneft and Gazprom, alongside measures against Moscow's "shadow fleet" used to circumvent oil restrictions.