France says allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza is 'obligation'

NNA - A French foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday said the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, where Israeli attacks continue, is an obligation.quot;The entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, ensuring full access, and refraining from targeting aid organizations working to deliver this assistance is an obligation,quot; Christophe Lemoine told a weekly press briefing.Lemoine, responding to a question by Anadolu on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and growing international criticism, said: quot;We have for many months been advocating for the unhindered and full delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza.quot;He underlined that France continues to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the end of Israeli attacks, and the release of all hostages.He said France condemns the renewed Israeli military operations following the breakdown of the January truce.Two major humanitarian organizations have recently warned that Gaza is facing the risk of total collapse due to Israelrsquo;s blockade imposed since March 2.EU foreign ministers to meet in Kyiv on May 9Touching on the war in Ukraine, Lemoine said the desire to end the conflict is shared not only by the US but also by Europeans and Ukrainians.He said it is now up to Russia to respond to these efforts, stressing that the first and foremost security guarantee for Ukraine is its continued ability to defend itself.quot;Only a strong Ukrainian army can establish a strong line of defense. That is the foundation of the security guarantees,quot; Lemoine said.He added that a ceasefire would be a necessary step toward achieving a lasting and just peace, after which the focus must shift to the structure of a peace plan and the nature of the security guarantees it entails.Lemoine announced that European foreign ministers will gather in Kyiv on May 9, when Russia marks its Victory Day, commemorating the defeat of Nazi forces in 1945. --- AAnbsp;===============nbsp;