Approximately 80 countries and international organizations are meeting in Paris today, Thursday, to coordinate aid and discuss how to assist those affected in the Gaza Strip, but expectations for achieving tangible results are low. France has shown support for Israel following a surprise attack by the Hamas movement on October 7th, but the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza has raised concerns as the number of civilian casualties continues to rise. The bombings have resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents in Gaza.
A French presidential official told reporters before the conference: "It is no secret that the entry of essential supplies, medicines, water, and others into Gaza is difficult today. Therefore, the goal is to work with all participants and also with Israel to allow for an improvement in the aid entry process."
The Palestinian Prime Minister will attend the conference, but Israel has not been invited. French officials stated that they are keeping Israel informed of developments. Countries from the region, such as Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states, as well as Western powers and G20 member countries excluding Russia, will participate in the conference. International institutions and non-governmental organizations operating in Gaza, such as Doctors Without Borders, are also expected to attend.
However, only a few heads of state, government leaders, or foreign ministers will participate in the conference. NGOs have criticized the lack of stronger pressure at the conference to achieve a ceasefire. An European diplomat noted: "It will be a repetition of countries' positions, announcing what each country has provided and what it will provide, along with the need to protect civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law."
French officials hope that the conference will lay the groundwork for a rapid international response when an actual ceasefire occurs. Some efforts will be made to mobilize financial resources by identifying several sectors for emergency support based on UN assessments of immediate needs totaling $1.1 billion and opening crossings to Gaza for purely humanitarian purposes.
The conference is also set to discuss the restoration of water, fuel, and electricity supplies while ensuring accountability measures to make sure that aid is not diverted to Hamas. Plans for the establishment of a maritime corridor for shipping humanitarian aid to Gaza and finding a way to use vessels to assist in evacuating the injured will also be discussed.
Participants in the talks will evaluate the possibility of establishing field hospitals, although diplomats have indicated that Egypt is reluctant to host a large number of hospitals on its territory, while constructing them in Gaza seems difficult without a humanitarian ceasefire or a cessation of hostilities. Without the consent of Israel or Hamas on a temporary ceasefire, the chances of progress seem slim.
An Israeli official told Reuters: "We expect that the conference on humanitarian issues in Gaza will certainly raise the issue of the 241 Israeli hostages currently in Gaza, including infants, children, women, and the elderly." He added: "This is a first-class humanitarian issue, and the international community must discuss this topic within the framework of the humanitarian discussion about Gaza."
The French presidential official stated that the issue will be up for discussion.
