France issues statement on 'deportation' regarding Gaza

De Riviere responded to a question from an AA correspondent: "Israeli officials have recently made statements supporting the 'voluntary migration' of Palestinians in Gaza. What is your reaction, representing France, regarding the forced migration of Palestinians?"

STATEMENT ON DEPORTATION

Stating that "France is very clearly against the forced displacement of populations," de Riviere expressed that this applies both in a general sense and specifically to Gaza.

De Riviere said, "We will not support the forced displacement of people in Gaza. Palestinians live in the Gaza Strip. Our goal is to ensure that Palestinians continue to live there safely and under good conditions."

Expressing that ideas such as forcing the Palestinian people to leave Gaza or re-colonizing the area are "absurd," de Riviere said, "What is important is the termination of the military operation."

De Riviere emphasized that while Israel may continue to target military elements, it must stop targeting civilians, stating, "The Palestinian people should be able to live in peace without being bombed in their homes. Schools and hospitals should not be targeted." Regarding allegations that Hamas uses the civilian population and schools as shields, de Riviere said, "This is true, but if there is any doubt, then that school should not be bombed."

"THERE ARE 2 MILLION CIVILIANS IN GAZA, NOT 2 MILLION TERRORISTS"

Stating that the resolutions adopted at the UN Security Council regarding humanitarian aid to Gaza have not yet been implemented, de Riviere said, "The issue of humanitarian aid is a symptom of the war. We must primarily resolve the political issues at the root. A sustainable ceasefire is needed to move to the next step."

De Riviere underlined that civilians must be protected, stating, "There are 2 million civilians in Gaza, not 2 million terrorists. There is no problem with targeting terrorists, but you cannot target civilians. Indiscriminate bombing must come to an end."

News Source: AA