France supports reviewing EU’s relations with Israel
France has backed a review of the EU’s agreement with Israel as part of ‘further action’ being considered by the UK, France and Canada over the war in Gaza.
According to Middle East Eye citing Reuters on May 20th, French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot told France Inter Radio that despite Israel opening up limited routes for humanitarian aid into Gaza, this was “totally insufficient… Immediate and massive aid is needed.”
After growing condemnation from the international community, including from France, Israel finally allowed a small amount of aid into Gaza following a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who said: “At the recommendation of the Israeli army, and out of the operational need to enable the expansion of intense fighting to defeat Hamas, Israel will allow a basic amount of food for the population to ensure that a hunger crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip”.
Since this limited action was taken by Israel, there have been calls from France for the EU to take action against Israel by reviewing the 1995 association agreement which is the basis for the EU’s diplomatic and trade relations with Israel.
Israel has been resolute in the fact that they will not allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and whilst they have made a small exception on this occasion it doesn’t distract from the reality of the situation in Gaza or hide what ministers such as Israel Katz have said: “Israel’s policy is clear: no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza, and blocking this aid is one of the main pressure levers preventing Hamas from using it as a tool with the population,” he went on to add that, “no one is currently planning to allow any humanitarian aid into Gaza, and there are no preparations to enable such aid.”
Relations between Israel and France have soured this year as France has grown stronger in its condemnation of Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people.
On April 22nd, Israel revoked the visas of 27 French MPs two days before they were due to visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian territories.
Middle East Eye/ Reuters/ Maghrebi
Want to chase the pulse of North Africa?
Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly PDF magazine
