France says expanded Israeli Rafah attack could have 'catastrophic' consequences

The French foreign ministry has called on Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah and to reopen the border crossing to allow the passage of aid into Gaza.

In a statement posted on X, the ministry condemned the Israeli attack on Gaza's southernmost city, warning it could cause "a catastrophic situation for the civilian population of Gaza".

The ministry urged Israel to return to negotiations, "the only possible path to lead to the immediate release of hostages and obtain a lasting ceasefire".