By KUNA,
PARIS : France said on Thursday that a certain number of French NGOs and humanitarian personnel were remaining in Gaza despite an Egyptian decision to close the Rafah crossing point, the only place where humanitarian workers and journalists can freely access the Palestinian Territory.
About 100 NGOs and international observers, as well as journalists, are reported to have left Gaza rapidly before the closing of Rafah.
“You know our position on the need for a lasting opening of the crossing points in order, notably, to allow the deliver of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” a French spokesman said.
“There are still French NGOs in Gaza, who are accomplishing missions in the medical and humanitarian domains,” said deputy spokesman Frederic Desagneaux (Frederik Dezaniou – Arabic). “Certain among them have been there for many years. Their work was unanimously praised during the crisis,” he added.
The French official also indicated that Frances embassy in Cairo and its Consul General Jerusalem are in contact with (the NGOs) to give them support in case of need.” (end) jk.tg KUNA 051732 Feb 09NNNN