France top diplomat urges media access to Gaza
Gaza Strikes Toll
52 Victims Reported
Wave of Israeli Airstrikes, Shelling and Shooting
Gaza’s civil defence agency confirmed the number of casualties after a Thursday bombardment.
- 52 people killed
- Damage to residential buildings
- Imminent risk to civilian life
Call for Press Freedom
French Foreign Minister Urges Israel
Jean‑Noël Barrot asked the Israeli authorities to open Gaza to international journalists so they can “bear witness” to the situation after 21 months of conflict.
Barrot on France Inter Radio
- Free and independent press access
- Show what is happening in Gaza
- Document the humanitarian crisis
AFP Staff Safety Concerns
Urgent Evacuation Request
AFP’s staff association highlighted the danger faced by its freelancers and urged Israel to permit their families to leave the occupied coastal territory.
Barrot’s Response
- France is addressing the issue
- Hope to evacuate some freelancers in the coming weeks
Israel’s Accusations of Hamas
Exploiting Civilian Suffering
Israel blames Hamas for using the war to harm civilians receiving humanitarian aid after the militant group’s October 7 attack.
Israeli Foreign Ministry Statement
- Hamas deliberately increasing friction
- Targeting humanitarian aid recipients
International Community Response
Condemnation of Gaza’s Civilian Suffering
Twenty‑one countries, including Britain, Australia and Canada, demanded an immediate end to the war.
- “Suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths”
Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies
Malnutrition and Starvation Reports
United Nations refugee agency and medical charities warn of escalating hunger.
- Doctors Without Borders reports spike in malnutrition cases
- At least three infant deaths due to severe hunger in the past week
- 18 more deaths of starvation reported in 24 hours
Israel’s Infant Food Stance
Israel states there is no restriction on baby formula or baby food entering Gaza.
AFP’s Evacuation Actions
Eight Staff Members and Families Removed
AFP evacuated its staff between January and April 2024, citing an untenable situation for its freelancers.
AFP Statement
“Since October 7, Israel has blocked access for all international journalists. The work of our Palestinian freelancers is crucial, but their lives are in danger. We urge Israeli authorities to allow immediate evacuation with their families.”
Barrot’s Demand for a Ceasefire
Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
Barrot called for an immediate stop to hostilities, release of all hostages held by Hamas, disarmament of militants, and unobstructed humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Key Points
- “No longer any justification for Israeli army operations in Gaza.”
- “Offensive will worsen an already catastrophic situation and cause new forced displacements.”
