France took an additional step towards using tougher language regarding military operations in Gaza. For the first time, Paris resorts to using the word “condemnation” in its comment on the bombing that Gaza has been subjected to for nearly a month, which affected cultural and religious institutions, hospitals, and civilian structures of all kinds, so that the Ministry of Health announced that the number of deaths exceeded nine thousand, while the number of wounded increases. On weakness.

In a statement issued before noon on Friday by Minister Olivier Veran, government spokesman, it was stated that France “denounces the attacks on United Nations sites and humanitarian teams whose work is essential for the civilian population of Gaza.” Before his statement issued on behalf of the French government, Veran announced, in a statement to the BFM television channel, that Paris “strongly condemns” the bombing of Jabalia camp, the largest camp in the Gaza Strip, which Israel bombed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and where on Thursday a school belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency was hit. Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

Later, on Friday, the French Foreign Ministry announced in a statement that the Israeli authorities had informed it that “an Israeli strike targeted the French Institute in Gaza,” and that Paris had asked it for clarifications about the reasons behind targeting a cultural institute, and that “Israel would provide it without delay, through all means.” appropriate (i.e. diplomatic channels) with the concrete elements that led to this decision”; That is, attacking the institute, which survives thanks to the support of the French state, and provides cultural awareness programs, which is a well-known matter. The ministerial statement stated that no French citizen or employee was present in the building when the bombing occurred.

Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna speaks to the press on the occasion of her visit to Nigeria today, Friday (AFP)

In a second statement, Paris expressed “its concern about the high number of casualties in Gaza, which has reached several thousand,” and about the “deteriorating humanitarian situation” in the Strip. For its part, the French Foreign Ministry affirmed its “condemnation of the attacks targeting United Nations structures and humanitarian workers whose work is indispensable to civilians.” Paris also condemned for the first time the targeting of media headquarters.

Paris reaffirmed respect for “international humanitarian law at all times and places, which imposes clear principles” in terms of distinction between civilian and non-civilian and proportionate responses. In language that Paris had not previously resorted to, the Foreign Ministry statement stated that “protecting civilians is a moral and international duty at the same time,” and that France “asks Israel to take concrete measures” in this context.

Paris also saw the need for a humanitarian truce, which has now become “necessary” in order to provide protection for civilians, deliver adequate and sustainable humanitarian aid, and care for the wounded. While France stated its view of the “Hamas” organization, which it considers “a terrorist organization that has committed terrorist acts,” it stressed that “civilians do not have to pay (the price) for the crimes committed by (Hamas).” Finally, Paris called for “the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza.”

It appears today clearly that France, which from the beginning declared its solidarity with Israel and supported its legitimate right to self-defense, has today begun to review its position and make Israeli leaders understand, in the words of a diplomatic source, that support “does not necessarily mean giving Israel a blank check” to continue its deadly military operations. . If Paris had taken targeting United Nations institutions as an excuse to modify its position, given that 4 of its schools that were housing displaced persons in the Gaza Strip were damaged by Israeli raids on Thursday, and their bombing, according to the international organization, resulted in the deaths of 23 people.

However, Paris has not yet reached the stage of strong condemnation and denunciation of Israeli practices towards all civilians in Gaza. On Wednesday, France confined itself to expressing its “deep concern about the heavy losses” in lives and homes caused by the Israeli raids on Jabalia.

The truth of the matter is that the French tone has not changed until recently, which can be explained by the fact that the French leniency and support, like Western countries in general, which Israel enjoyed until the middle of last week, will not continue as it was, especially after the Israeli aircraft targeted the French Institute in Gaza.

However, there are things that are difficult to explain and understand. On the occasion of the French Foreign Ministry awarding the “Journalistic Courage” award on Thursday, Minister Catherine Colonna indicated that more than 30 journalists, according to the “Journalists Without Borders” organization, have been killed in Gaza since the seventh of last October. . But what is strange about the matter is that the French Minister did not point out, neither closely nor remotely, to the parties responsible for their killing, which shows a reluctance to put dots on the letters and name those responsible for the crimes committed against the profession that Catherine Colonna wants to defend and those responsible for it.