Paris: France condemned on Wednesday Israel's decision to suspend humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing the urgency of assistance for civilians in the besieged enclave.

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine expressed strong disapproval of the Israeli government's decision at a weekly press briefing. Lemoine highlighted that the decision has resulted in a law banning all contact between state institutions and Israeli officials as well as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Responding to Anadolu's inquiry about Israel's suspension of aid and potential sanctions, Lemoine noted that France, the UK, and Germany have jointly condemned the decision. He stressed that the joint statement called on the Israeli government to comply with its international obligations and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

Lemoine pointed to the dire conditions in Gaza, asserting that aid delivery is an urgent necessity. He emphasized that under international law, Israel is legally obligated to provide humanitarian assistance, although he refrained from discussing potential sanctions against Israel.

Furthermore, Lemoine mentioned that France and Saudi Arabia are set to co-chair a conference in June to address the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In response to Russian claims about French President Emmanuel Macron's stance on the war in Ukraine, Lemoine dismissed the allegations as baseless. He reiterated that Russia initiated the conflict in February 2022 and that France has consistently advocated for peace. He emphasized that Paris has never supported the war and has persistently urged Russia to cease hostilities, which Moscow has continued to ignore.