France Pledges Aid Distribution Safety Amid Gaza Civilian Deaths

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that France, alongside European partners, is prepared to assist in ensuring the safety of humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza amid reports of hundreds of Palestinian civilians killed near aid centers. Barrot condemned the deaths, emphasizing a moral obligation to intervene in what he described as a "human catastrophe," and suggested that French involvement could address Israeli concerns over extremist groups accessing aid supplies. The announcement follows allegations reported by Haaretz that Israeli military commanders ordered soldiers to fire on Palestinians seeking food, accusations that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently denied as a "blood libel." Humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, have criticized the current aid distribution efforts, labeling them as dangerous and ineffective. The United Nations and other international bodies have also voiced alarm over the escalating civilian death toll in Gaza. France's offer aims to secure aid operations and prevent further civilian casualties in the conflict-stricken region.