what to remember from Monday, December 11

The head of European diplomacy warns of an “apocalyptic” situation in Gaza, while France calls “to avoid any regional conflagration” in the Red Sea.

The war between Israel and Hamas entered its 66th day on Monday, December 11. The Israeli army has intensified its raids on the Gaza Strip, the scene of violent clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters. The fighting continues in particular in Khan Younes, in the south of the Gaza Strip, where the army “dismantles Hamas infrastructure”said army spokesperson Daniel Hagari. Here is what to remember from this new day of war.

An “apocalyptic” situation

The situation in Gaza is “apocalyptic” for civilian populations, warned the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell on Monday, December 11. “Unfortunately, the level of destruction of buildings in Gaza is more or less, or even greater than the destruction suffered by German cities during the Second World War”he said, after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

France calls to avoid regional conflagration in the Red Sea

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs called, Monday, December 11, “to avoid any regional conflagration” in the Red Sea, facing the “multiplication of attacks and acts of piracy” in the zone. This warning comes after a French frigate shot down two drones coming from the northern Yemen, under the control of Houthi rebels, who threaten to disrupt this sea route in the context of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. “We condemn all attacks on freedom of navigation”declared the Quai d’Orsay, saying it was monitoring the situation “closely”.

France wants to further sanction Hamas

In a letter addressed to the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, France, Italy and Germany demand new sanctions against Hamas, considered a terrorist organization according to the EU, the United States and Israel. They propose “the creation of a new sanctions regime”according to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna.

European countries plead for a truce

European Union countries have asked Brussels to act in favor of a lasting truce in the fighting in Gaza, to end the “carnage” in progress. “We must immediately call on all parties to declare a lasting humanitarian ceasefire, which could lead to an end to hostilities”demanded the Irish, Spanish, Maltese and Belgian leaders, on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting in Brussels.