The French Foreign Ministry announced that one of its workers died from injuries sustained during an Israeli attack on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The ministry stated in a statement issued late Saturday night that the man was sheltering in the home of a fellow consulate worker along with two colleagues and several family members. The statement added, "The home was hit by an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday evening, resulting in severe injuries to him and the death of around ten others." It noted that he later died from his injuries. The statement condemned the shelling that targeted a residential building, calling for an explanation from Israeli authorities regarding the circumstances of this strike as soon as possible.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said shortly after her meeting with her Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen in Tel Aviv today, "We are awaiting clarification from Israel." She called for an "immediate ceasefire" between Hamas and Israel to allow for a humanitarian pause in the fighting. There has been no comment from the Israeli army regarding this matter. Israel claims it aims to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure under international law, but it faces criticism from various entities, including the United States, its strongest ally, stating that it needs to make further efforts in this regard.
