Paris: France condemned the Israeli ground assault on Gaza City, urging the Israeli government to end what it described as a destructive campaign that no longer has any military rationale.

According to Qatar News Agency, the French Foreign Ministry highlighted the extremely dangerous humanitarian and health situation in Gaza, noting widespread famine, a lack of basic necessities, and the absence of emergency medical care. The ministry again called on Israel to immediately lift all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and to resume negotiations as quickly as possible to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of all hostages.

The Israeli military has been carrying out heavy air and artillery strikes on Gaza City for several days, intensifying overnight and continuing as forces demolish buildings in an effort to push Palestinians toward the south. Casualties are rising by the hour, with the death toll from Israel’s ongoing offensive that launched on Oct. 7, 2023, now reaching 64,964 killed and 165,312 wounded across the Gaza Strip.