By KUNA,
Paris : France reiterated its position Wednesday calling on all parties to refrain from violence and said it was behind any efforts to get a ceasefire between Hamas and the Israelis.
Already Tuesday, France said it had multiple contacts on this issue and had especially been in contact with the Egyptians relative to their efforts to bring about a halt to the ongoing clashes that killed seven Palestinians on Monday.
Among the dead were a mother and four of her children who Palestinians say were hit either by an Israeli rocket or a shell.
Israel has denied this and said it was a munitions explosion provoked by Palestinian militants.
But it is clear that Israeli forces were involved in action in and around the northern Gaza area of Beit Hanoon at the time of the civilian deaths. Indeed, civilians have been the principal victims of Israeli strikes in Gaza, strikes that include shelling, air and sea attacks and special operations.
Israeli says it is reacting to rocket attacks against southern Israel, but the reaction is often hugely disproportionate.
France has called the situation in Gaza “tragic” and “deplored” the civilian deaths Monday.
It has also called on Israel to open up crossing points into the territory and to let in humanitarian supplies and re-establish regular delivery of fuel and other commodities.
Over 400 civilians have lost their lives in Gaza in the past several months and a recent offer by Hamas for a six-month ceasefire has been rejected our off hand by Israel. The offer was withdrawn after the killing of the mother and children earlier this week.
“France is calling for a halt to the violence,” French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pascale Andreani said in answer to a KUNA question Wednesday.
“We support all proposals that allow for this objective to be achieved,” she added.
Israel is likely to come under international pressure at a meeting May 2 in London on the Palestinian State and its development prospects.
The London gathering follows a decision last December by the international community to accord USD 7.7 billion in support for the emerging Palestinian State and for economic development.
Israels ongoing blockade of the occupied territories, whereby 500 checkpoints and barrages are still in place, is expected to draw criticism from donors participating in the London event.
In addition, the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is part of the Palestinian development plan, is also certain to be highlighted at the meeting.