France condemns Hamas rocket fire, urges ‘restraint’ and lifting of blockade

France issues a statement condemning the firing of rockets toward Israel and urging “restraint…by all parties.”

“France deplores the escalation of violence between Israel and the Gaza Strip. It condemns the firing of rockets toward Israel and would like restraint to prevail and the ceasefire to be upheld by all parties in order to prevent further civilian casualties,” the statement says.

“These incidents underscore the urgent need to work toward finding a lasting political solution for Gaza and to respond effectively to the humanitarian crisis affecting the Palestinian population.”

It also calls for a lifting of the Israeli-Egyptian blockade on Gaza.

“This notably requires the lifting of the blockade, on the one hand – while respecting Israel’s security concerns – and the achievement of inter-Palestinian reconciliation and the full return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza, on the other.”

“France, in collaboration with its European partners, will remain fully mobilized to support efforts to that end.”