France condemns far-right Israeli ministers' calls for Palestinian expulsion

France has denounced comments made by far-right Israeli ministers calling for Palestinians to be expelled from Gaza and Jewish settlements to be re-established in the territory.

"France condemns the comments of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir," the French foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

"We call on Israel to refrain from such provocative declarations, which are irresponsible and fuel tensions."

On Monday, Ben-Gvir promote "a solution to encourage the emigration of Gaza's residents" and the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip.

A day earlier, Smotrich also called for the return of illegal settlements in Gaza, and said that Israel should "encourage" Palestinians to leave.

"The forced transfer of populations constitutes a grave violation of international law," the French foreign ministry said.

"The future of the Gaza Strip and its inhabitants will lie in a unified Palestinian state living in peace and security side-by-side with Israel."

Washington also condemned the ministers' controversial comments on Tuesday, describing them as "inflammatory and irresponsible".