PARIS: France will host an international humanitarian conference for the civilian population of Gaza on November 9 to coordinate aid for the besieged Palestinian enclave, three diplomatic sources said.
Although Paris has offered support to Israel over Hamas’s deadly attack on October 7, concerns are growing about rising civilian casualties under Israeli retaliatory bombardment in Gaza that has killed, injured and displaced thousands.
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed to journalists in Brittany that the conference would take place.
The conference will take place at the level of heads of state, heads of government and foreign ministers. Key regional stakeholders such as Egypt, Jordan and Gulf Arab states will also be invited, as well as major Western and European powers. Diplomats said that international institutions and organizations will also be present.
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They said the Palestinian Authority would be there but Israel was not ready to be invited.
The conference will aim to mobilize financial resources with various sectors identified for emergency support based on United Nations assessments of urgent needs.
While restoring water, fuel and electricity supply is one of the topics discussed, accountability processes are also expected to ensure that aid is not directed to Hamas.
France is sending two helicopter carriers off the coast of Gaza as it works with Israeli and Egyptian authorities to find a way to provide medical aid to people affected by bombings in the besieged area.
Diplomats said the establishment of a maritime corridor to use sea routes to send humanitarian aid to Gaza will also be discussed, as well as how ships can be used to help the injured in Gaza.
news source (www.brecorder.com)
