France opposes ‘any form of annexation’ of Gaza

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot says France is against any annexation of the Gaza Strip or the occupied West Bank after Israel’s defence minister threatened to permanently take over parts of Gaza unless Hamas releases captives. “France is opposed to any form of annexation whether it concerns the West Bank or the Gaza Strip. We have a very clear vision of the future of the region – a solution of two states living side-by-side in peace,” Barrot told reporters in the eastern city of Dijon.