The situation in Gaza-West Bank-Jerusalem has seriously deteriorated

 

Israel's Iron Dome air defence system launches to intercept rockets fired from Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel, in May [Ariel Schalit/AP]

France commented that the situation in the besieged Gaza Strip, occupied West Bank and Jerusalem has seriously deteriorated due to various activities of Israel. At the same time, the country has expressed deep concern in these incidents. Anadolu news agency reported this information in a report on Saturday (August 31).

The French Foreign Ministry noted on Friday that various Israeli actions have led to a serious deterioration of the situation in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem, according to the report.

The ministry said in a statement, "France is deeply concerned about the deterioration of the situation in the Palestinian territories as a result of recent Israeli actions."

Regarding Gaza, the ministry said Israeli attacks on schools and shelters used as shelters for displaced persons caused an unacceptable number of civilian casualties.

France strongly reiterates that the obligation to respect international humanitarian law applies to all, including Israel, the statement said. In this case, attacks targeting humanitarian or UN personnel are also unacceptable. France also strongly condemns the shooting of the World Food Program (WFP) vehicle by Israeli forces in Gaza on August 28. As a result of the attack, WFP suspended its operations in the Gaza Strip.

On the other hand, the French Foreign Ministry has condemned the large-scale Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank of Palestine. They said the operation by the Israeli military was causing unprecedented instability and violence. In addition, France also commented that the establishment of colonies in the West Bank should be stopped immediately.

Last Wednesday, the Israeli army launched its largest military offensive since 2022 on the West Bank towns of Tulkarm and Jenin, as well as the al-Fara refugee camp near Tubas. Israel has killed 16 Palestinians so far in this campaign.

. And since the beginning of last year, violence has spread in the West Bank. But it has increased since the war in Gaza began on October 7 last year.

Israel has killed at least 670 Palestinians in the West Bank since violence in Gaza began in October 2023, according to AFP figures based on data provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

In addition, about 5 thousand 400 Palestinians were injured in these barbaric attacks. At the same time, Israel detained more than 10,300 Palestinians.

Meanwhile, regarding Jerusalem, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the current status of Al-Aqsa Mosque should not be questioned.

France also condemns the irresponsible comments of Israeli National Security Minister Ben-Gavir, the ministry said. The Israeli minister has publicly and repeatedly called for action against the status quo. France also called on the Israeli government to strongly condemn such unacceptable comments.

Incidentally, in a statement last Monday, Ben-Gavir insisted that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque. He also expressed his intention to build a Jewish place of worship inside this holy place for Muslims.

His controversial comments have drawn condemnation from the international community as they could incite further sectarian conflict.

Israel's ultra-hardline minister has repeatedly called for Jewish prayer at the Muslim holy site in recent months. However, this is the first time he has openly commented on the construction of a Jewish place of worship within the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.