The French Institute in Gaza, located in the Gaza Strip, was the target of an Israeli strike on November 3, 2023, provoking a strong reaction from France. The AFP office in the region was also seriously damaged in the attack. This act aroused “incomprehension” from the French government which immediately demanded explanations from Israel.
At the same time, another Israeli strike targeted an ambulance at the entrance to the Gaza hospital, killing 13 people according to the Hamas Health Ministry. Israel justified the attack by saying the ambulance was used by a Hamas terrorist cell. This situation caused an outcry in the international community, with calls for the protection of civilians and an end to violence.
Faced with these tragic events, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the holding of a “humanitarian conference” on November 9 in Paris. This meeting aims to mobilize the international community to accelerate humanitarian aid to Gaza, particularly in terms of food, medical equipment and energy. This initiative is supported by the European Union, the Middle East, the G20, UN agencies and major NGOs.
In a highly anticipated speech, the leader of Lebanese Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, also took the floor to condemn Israeli aggression in Gaza and threaten a regional extension of the conflict. He warned the United States to stop its support for Israel if it wants to avoid a regional war. The statement sparked mixed reactions, with some fearing an escalation of the conflict in Lebanon.
On the diplomatic side, the American Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, pleaded for “humanitarian pauses” to allow better distribution of aid to civilians affected by the violence. He also stressed that the creation of a Palestinian state was the only path to guarantee Israel’s security and meet the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians.
In conclusion, the situation in Gaza remains extremely worrying, with Israeli attacks continuing to cause significant loss of life and destruction. The international community is working to provide a humanitarian response to this crisis, but it is essential that all parties involved engage in negotiations to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution.