Tue Jul 22 11:30:56 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is urging Israel to allow foreign press access to Gaza, citing dire conditions, including warnings of famine, after 21 months of war. His plea comes after AFP news agency raised concerns about the safety of its Palestinian freelance journalists in Gaza and requested Israel to allow their evacuation. Barrot emphasized the importance of the press witnessing the situation and stated France is working to evacuate freelancers working with French journalists. He also condemned Israel’s expanded military operations and called for an immediate ceasefire.

## News Article:

**French Foreign Minister Urges Israel to Allow Press Access to Gaza Amid Famine Concerns**

**Paris, July 22, 2025:** French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, has issued a strong call for Israel to permit foreign press access to the Gaza Strip, citing mounting concerns over a potential famine and the safety of Palestinian journalists working within the besieged territory.

Barrot’s statement comes after AFP news agency voiced alarm regarding the lives of its Palestinian freelance journalists in Gaza, urging Israeli authorities to facilitate their evacuation along with their families.

“I ask that the free and independent press be allowed to access Gaza to show what is happening there and to bear witness,” Barrot stated in an interview from eastern Ukraine. He added that France is addressing the issue and hopes to be able to evacuate freelancers working with French journalists in the coming weeks.

AFP’s concerns echo those of its journalists’ association, which highlighted the deteriorating conditions, including reports of starvation affecting its Palestinian colleagues.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has prohibited international journalists from entering Gaza. AFP management acknowledged the crucial role of Palestinian freelancers in informing the world but stressed the grave danger they face.

Beyond the press freedom issue, Barrot condemned Israel’s recent expansion of military operations to Deir el-Balah, calling for an immediate ceasefire. “There is no longer any justification for the Israeli army’s military operations in Gaza,” he asserted, warning that the offensive would exacerbate the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and cause further displacement of the population.

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