French authorities call for independent inquiry into killing of Palestinians collecting food aid in Gaza
French authorities have called for an independent inquiry into the killing of more than 100 Palestinians who were collecting food aid in northern Gaza, as global outrage against Israel’s attack grows. The attack occurred at the Nabulsi roundabout in Gaza City on Thursday, resulting in the death of 115 people and more than 750 wounded.
Israeli soldiers open fire during aid collection
According to witnesses, Israeli soldiers opened fire as people gathered to collect flour, while Israeli officials claim their soldiers fired in self-defense after people stormed the aid trucks. French President Emmanuel Macron called the Palestinian aid seekers “targeted by Israeli soldiers” and expressed his “strongest condemnation of these shootings.” French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne emphasized the need for an independent probe to determine what occurred and refused to apply “double standards” to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Global outrage mounts
Global condemnation against Israel’s actions continues to rise. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the “political face” of Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir. The ministry expressed the need for imposing deterrent sanctions on the Israeli government to ensure the protection of civilians and their humanitarian needs. United States President Joe Biden acknowledged the incident would complicate efforts to broker a truce between Israel and Hamas but did not directly condemn the shootings. The United Nations Security Council failed to issue a statement condemning the killings.
International condemnation and demands for an investigation
China, South Africa, Iran, Lebanon, and various other countries and organizations have expressed their condemnation for the killings. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for “urgent international action” to halt the fighting in Gaza. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire. Turkey accused Israel of committing “another crime against humanity” and condemned the country for pushing Palestinians into “famine”. European Union leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat, joined the calls for an investigation.
Countries call for Israel to uphold international law
Germany, an advocate for Israel, demanded an explanation from Israel, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noting that people who sought relief supplies for their families found themselves dead and expressing shock at the reports from Gaza. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro suspended purchases of weapons from Israel, labeling Israel’s actions a “genocide” of the Palestinians.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported a total of 30,228 Palestinian deaths since October 7, further underscoring the urgent need for aid in the region. UN agencies have warned of the risk of a “famine” in Gaza if more aid does not enter soon. The international community continues to urge Israel to abide by international humanitarian law, establish safe humanitarian corridors, and allow the delivery of relief aid.
