Israel/Palestinian Territories – Ceasefire in Gaza and Israel (14 May 2023)

Statement by the ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs spokesperson

France welcomes the ceasefire which came into force in the evening of 13 May thanks to Egypt’s mediation efforts, with the support of the United Nations and Qatar. It calls on all the parties to observe it fully. The loss of civilian lives is unacceptable. France extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved.

France calls for access routes to Gaza to be opened in the long term; in particular, this should allow humanitarian aid and fuel to enter and injured and sick people needing treatment to be transferred.

There will be no lasting stability in Gaza without a lifting of the blockade, combined with credible security guarantees for Israel. As the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Egypt and Jordan reiterated on 11 May, this escalation illustrates once again the need to relaunch a credible political process leading to a comprehensive, lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.