Israel/Palestinian Territories - Further extension of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip (8 August 2025)

France condemns in the strongest possible terms the plan adopted overnight by the Israeli government to further extend its military operations to take control of Gaza City in order to establish military control over the entire Gaza Strip.

France recalls that it is firmly opposed to any plans involving the occupation of the Gaza Strip and the forced displacement of its population. Such actions would constitute further serious violations of international law and would lead to complete deadlock. They would also undermine the Palestinians’ legitimate aspirations to live in peace in a viable, sovereign and contiguous State, and would threaten regional stability. They would in no way improve the security of Israel or its people, nor that of the hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza. France calls on Hamas to immediately and unconditionally release the hostages and to take up the ceasefire proposals rather that prolong the suffering of the people of Gaza through its obstructionist attitude. Furthermore, it calls for the disarmament and surrender of Hamas.

The future of the Gaza Strip must be part of a future Palestinian State led by the Palestinian Authority. France will continue to work towards the implementation of the two-State solution, which is the only way to ensure lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians, as it did at the New York Conference, which it co-chaired with Saudi Arabia. France will continue the work which began in New York, with its partners and the United Nations, to deploy a temporary international stabilization mission in order to ensure the security of Israelis and Palestinians. It calls on its partners and all other States to join these collective efforts.