France calls for Gaza ceasefire

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius called today for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to end violence in Gaza which has left nearly 600 Palestinians dead.

“In Israel and in Gaza, the situation is very hard,” Mr Fabius said as he arrived for a meeting of European Union foreign ministers.

“Nothing justifies continued attacks and massacres which do nothing but only claim more victims and stoke tensions, hatred,” Mr Fabius said.

“France will act forcefully to demand an immediate ceasefire,” Mr Fabius added.