France sends personnel to Israel for Gaza post-ceasefire planning

France has dispatched a team of military and civilian personnel to Israel to contribute to planning efforts for Gaza's future following the ceasefire. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed the deployment, stating that French representatives have joined a US-led coordination center established between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to prepare for the post-conflict phase.

International Coordination Efforts

"We have sent French military and civilian personnel to join the team dispatched by the United States to implement the peace plan," Barrot announced during a television interview. While the minister did not specify the exact number of personnel involved, he confirmed they are already stationed at the coordination center, where international partners are developing plans for Gaza's stabilization.

Plans for International Force

Barrot further revealed that France and the United States are collaborating to advance a United Nations resolution that would authorize the deployment of an International Stabilization Force in Gaza. This force would operate once a comprehensive and secure ceasefire is firmly established, though specific details regarding its composition and mandate remain under discussion.

Ongoing Violence Despite Ceasefire

The planning efforts continue against a backdrop of persistent violence. According to the French Foreign Ministry, citing Palestinian health authorities, Israeli forces have killed 211 people since the ceasefire initially took effect. Medical organizations report that recent Israeli strikes have resulted in significant casualties, including dozens of children, highlighting the fragile nature of the current truce in the conflict that has claimed over 68,000 lives since October 2023.