The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a critical point, prompting French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to demand immediate and unrestricted aid as Israel has recently announced a limited allowance of basic food supplies.

Barrot described the situation in Gaza as unbearable, stating that the ongoing violence and humanitarian blockade have transformed the region into a graveyard for its 2.4 million residents.

After a two-month blockade, the Israeli government has permitted a limited number of humanitarian aid trucks to enter Gaza, a move criticized by the UN and NGOs as insufficient given the dire circumstances.

Barrot condemned the current approach of using force, arguing that it has not led to the desired outcomes of releasing hostages or disarming Hamas, and called for a reevaluation of diplomatic agreements with Israel.

Despite the entry of five U.N. trucks carrying humanitarian supplies on May 19, 2025, Gaza health officials report over 53,000 deaths since the offensive began, highlighting the urgent need for more substantial aid.

In light of the ongoing crisis, Barrot has called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing the need for a political solution based on a two-state approach.

Looking ahead, an international conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia is scheduled for June 2025, where the recognition of Palestine is expected to be a key topic aimed at reviving the two-state solution.

France has expressed support for the Netherlands' initiative to review the EU-Israel association agreement, particularly regarding Israel's compliance with human rights provisions.

Barrot's comments come amid criticism from Israeli officials regarding France's stance on recognizing a Palestinian state, with Barrot asserting that no external entity can dictate France's position.

He reiterated France's commitment to recognizing a State of Palestine, viewing it as beneficial for both Palestinians and Israelis, while also emphasizing the importance of upholding international law.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced warnings from allies about the potential consequences of continued military action, particularly if images of mass famine emerge from Palestinian territories.

Israel's military offensive, which began on May 17, 2025, aims to dismantle Hamas following its deadly attack on Israeli communities in October 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths.