French opposition figure vows to speak up against Israel’s attacks on Gaza

By Seyma Uzundere

A top figure from France’s hard-left La France Insoumise (LFI) party said Sunday that no one can say they did not know what was happening in Gaza.

Addressing a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the capital Paris, Mathilde Panot said it is humanity that is being murdered in Gaza.

She vowed to stand against Israel’s attacks on the Palestinian enclave.

Recalling that 70% of those killed in Gaza are women and children, Panot also criticized the French government over its "unconditional support" for Israel.

She cited large demonstrations in support of Palestine, saying "they will not remain silent or turn a blind eye" to what is being done to the people of Gaza.

She also called on the government to strongly condemn Israel over "the war crimes committed in Gaza."

Last week, the Israeli army expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has faced relentless airstrikes since the Palestinian group Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli bombardments in the Gaza Strip has risen to 9,770, the Health Ministry in the blockaded enclave announced Sunday.

“The death toll as a result of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 is 9,770, including 4,800 children and 2,550 women,” the ministry said in a statement.