France Ready to Help Ensure Safe Food Distribution in Gaza

France has declared its willingness to support safe food distribution efforts in Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Saturday that both France and Europe are prepared to contribute to ensuring that food aid is delivered securely in the conflict-torn region.

In an interview with France's LCI news channel, Barrot emphasized that this initiative seeks to address a key concern raised by Israeli authorities: the risk of humanitarian aid being looted by armed groups.

While the French minister did not elaborate on the exact nature of the assistance France and the European Union might provide, he expressed deep concern over recent casualties.

Barrot highlighted his outrage at the tragic deaths of approximately 500 people during food aid distribution efforts in Gaza in recent weeks, many of whom were reportedly killed while waiting for supplies.

His comments come amid growing international criticism of Israel following a series of deadly incidents linked to the distribution of humanitarian aid by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an organization with unclear funding sources, backed by both Israel and the United States.

Since early March, Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on Gaza, severely restricting the entry of food, medicine, and essential supplies.

Although the blockade was eased slightly at the end of May, aid distribution has largely been carried out by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is supported by armed contractors responsible for securing the aid centers.

According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, run by the Hamas government, nearly 550 people have been killed and over 4,000 injured in mass gatherings near aid distribution points since the Foundation began its operations.