France to send 600 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza

In France A meeting was held to follow up on the decisions taken at the International Humanitarian Conference for Gaza, which took place on November 9.

The meeting, held via video conference, was attended by many, including French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, representatives from the European Union, the African Union, the United Nations (UN), and over 50 countries and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

GAZA ON THE AGENDA

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the meeting addressed the financial commitments made for Gaza at the November 9 conference and the coordination between donor states, UN agencies, and NGOs. The statement expressed that the people of Gaza are facing the risk of epidemic diseases and starvation.

Drawing attention to the problems in accessing medicine, water, food, and medical care in Gaza, the statement indicated that certain restrictions on the Gaza Strip must be lifted.

The statement emphasized the need to open new crossing points in the region and called for the acceleration of inspections for humanitarian aid.

ADDITIONAL 2 MILLION EUROS IN SUPPORT FOR WHO

The statement noted that an additional 2 million euros will be allocated for the World Health Organization (WHO) operating in Gaza, and that France will send an additional 600 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea. It was also stated that Minister Colonna emphasized the obligation of the parties to comply with international law and international humanitarian law.

CALL FOR A 'HUMANITARIAN PAUSE'

The statement noted that Colonna called for a new, lasting "humanitarian pause" in the region, and emphasized that the French Minister stated this "humanitarian pause" should lead to a permanent ceasefire.

The statement included the expression, "This is a fundamental condition for delivering more humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza and for restoring a political horizon."