Paris (AFP)
France asks Israel to "guarantee rapid and unhindered access of aid to Gaza" after the closure of a crucial crossing point, Jean Castex told the National Assembly on Tuesday.
"A humanitarian convoy was authorized today and this movement must continue," the prime minister insisted, as the international community works to stem the deadly escalation between Israel and groups in Gaza.
Tuesday, after new Israeli bombardments and bursts of rockets from Palestinian Hamas, the situation became tense around the Kerem Shalom crossing point, opened a few hours and then closed by Israel after Palestinian shellfire.
"France has called and calls extremely firmly on all actors to put an immediate end to all violence, all provocations, and all incitement to hatred to allow a return to calm," added Mr. Castex during the government questioning session.
Questioned by the president of the communist group André Chassaigne, Mr. Castex also asked for the protection of "humanitarian and medical personnel" and to ensure "the safety of journalists".
The prime minister's response sparked the ire of MP Meyer Habib (UDI), who identifies himself as close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Leaving the chamber furious before the end of Mr. Castex's speech, he reproached him for not saying "a word about Israeli civilians", crying out "scandal".
At the same time, diplomatic talks intensified.
Emmanuel Macron and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met at noon with King Abdullah II of Jordan, to work on mediation in the Middle East.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Abdallah II also called Tuesday afternoon for a "rapid ceasefire".
© 2021 AFP