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The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, indicated this Thursday during a visit to Israel that he sees it possible to find “diplomatic solutions” to obtain the release of the hostages kidnapped by the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas) remained in Gaza. Band.
“Diplomatic solutions are possible to free the hostages, protect civilians and guarantee the safety of all,” declared the minister shortly before meeting his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, who will soon take over the Defense portfolio.
This is the second time in just a month that the minister has visited the country. Upon his arrival, Barrot assured that his presence in Israel aims to “continue the existing dialogue on Lebanon and Gaza”. “It is time to end the tragedy that began on October 7 (2023),” he said in a message posted on social media.
Likewise, he met with relatives of the hostages before his meeting with Katz, which will be followed by a meeting with the Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer. He then plans to travel to Ramallah to meet with representatives of the Palestinian Authority.
His previous visit took place just a month ago, the anniversary of the attacks which left 1,200 dead and 240 hostages and led to the start of an offensive in Gaza which has already left more than 43,300 dead.
The head of French diplomacy then reiterated the call of the French authorities to achieve as quickly as possible a ceasefire in the Middle East which facilitates peace in the Gaza Strip and guarantees the release of more than a hundred Israelis still held captive by Hamas. .
