'Shameful and has to stop': French Foreign Minister condemns US, Israel-backed Gazan aid body as Trump envoy meets Benjamin Netanyahu
International outcry over the mass starvation in Gaza has grown in recent weeks, with European leaders joining United Nations and international aid groups in calling for a greater supply of food and water into the embattled region.
Even US President Donald Trump, who has largely sided with Israeli narratives about conditions in the strip, told press in Scotland earlier this week there was "real starvation" in Gaza and suggested his administration would step up relief efforts.
However, speaking to media on Thursday, local time, Mr Barrot called out the US' most likely method of providing aid, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation jointly founded with Israel, claiming it had resulted in the death of civilians.
"I want to call for the cessation of the activities of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the militarised distribution of humanitarian aid that has generated a bloodbath in distribution lines in Gaza, which is a scandal, which is shameful, and has to stop," he said.
The GHF, which distributes aid with support from the Israel Defence Force and armed private security contractors, has come under scrutiny after widespread reports of chaos in distribution lines and the killings of Gazans clamouring for food.
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry claimed on Thursday, local time, 111 people had been killed and 820 injured while queuing for aid in the past 24 hours.
While the organisation does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties, multiple verified reports of soldiers firing at those seeking aid have still prompted outcry from world leaders and humanitarian groups.
Mr Witkoff is expected to visit and aid distribution site as part of his visit to Israel.
Publicly, Israel has attempted to dismiss criticism of aid distribution within Gaza, with Mr Netanyahu even going as far as claiming there was no starvation among the millions living in the strip.
President Trump also remains supportive of Israel's aim of completely eliminating Hamas from the region, posting: "The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!" to his Truth Social platform on Thursday.
Privately, however, Israel may face pressure from Mr Witkoff to make progress in ceasefire negotiations, which have largely stalled in recent months.
Recent declarations from France, the United Kingdom and Canada they would acknowledge a Palestinian state should talks continue to falter could complicate US-led proposals for peace, with critics of the move arguing recognition would also embolden Hamas.
However, a recent decision from the US could also complicate ceasefire efforts, with the State Department on Thursday moving to impose sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
The Palestinian Authority exercises limited control over the Israel-occupied West Bank and is generally regarded as the strongest contender to form government in a fully-realised Palestinian state.
Despite this, US officials have been critical of the body, arguing it has done little to combat Hamas and prevent Iran from exerting influence over Gaza.
"It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace," the State Department said.
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