Kathmandu, Dec 18: France has joined the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonnade expressed concern over the situation in Gaza, citing a significant number of civilian casualties.

Speaking to the news agency AFP after a meeting with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Kohon in Paris, Catherine Colena emphasized the need for remembrance of Israeli civilians killed in the Hamas attack on October 7.

France’s stance aligns with similar calls from Germany and Britain for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. British Foreign Minister David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annale Berbuch jointly advocated for an immediate and lasting end to the conflict in an article published in the British newspaper Sunday Times.

Their statement emphasized that the goal should not merely be a cessation of current hostilities but the achievement of enduring peace for days, years, and generations to come.

On the international front, a resolution was introduced at the United Nations on Tuesday, seeking an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. Notably, Germany and Britain were absent from the vote on this resolution.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his position, asserting the necessity of maintaining military pressure for the release of hostages. Despite mounting international pressure, Netanyahu declared that the war will persist until total victory is achieved. He credited the military’s strategy for the release of approximately 100 hostages thus far.

Amidst these developments, a bomb attack in the Jabaliya camp in Gaza resulted in the death of 35 Palestinians. The Israeli military confirmed carrying out an aerial bombardment on the Jabaliya camp, stating that the action was taken after identifying Hamas fighters on the building’s roof.