France "regrets" Israeli occupation offensive on central Gaza

PARIS, July 22 (KUNA) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Tuesday expressed "regret" over the latest Israeli occupation offensive on central Gaza and called for putting an end to the horrific situation in the strip.
Israel cannot justify the latest attack on Gaza, he said, affirming that civilians in the enclave have been suffering from inhuman conditions amid sharp shortage of food since months ago.
The horrific situation in Gaza is a scandal that must end immediately, Barrot said, re-affirming Paris' deep concern regarding destiny of the civilians amid the ongoing military operations.
Barrot's remarks came following an artillery attack on Deir Al-Balah while the occupation army declared that it was expanding ground military operations in the region.
Barrot called for allowing journalists enter Gaza to report to the world about the actual conditions in the region and indicated that Paris would try to secure exit of stringers coordinating with the French media from the enclave.
Conditions in Gaza have drastically deteriorated over the past days with reports about deaths caused by starvation.
The occupation forces have been besieging and bombarding the strip since early October last year. (end) mao.rk