France continues to work for the fate of its French nationals. Paris has had "proof of life" concerning some of its hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas, Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told RTL radio on Friday. "Nine compatriots have disappeared, of whom we have no precise news, but some of whom are known to have been taken hostage," she added. "We call for the release of all hostages, not just French hostages."
#Israël: "We have 9 compatriots who have disappeared"
Catherine Colonna @MinColonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, guest of @amandine_begot in #RTLMatin pic.twitter.com/0gGqqcSkoy
— RTL France (@RTLFrance) October 27, 2023
According to Catherine Colonna, France continues to work with Israel, Qatar, Egypt and "all those who can have information and can help in the release" of Hamas hostages. The Minister of Foreign Affairs says she is staying in touch with "the families", whose "anguish" she shares. "We have indications that some of these people are still being held hostage," she said. She "preferred" not to give the precise figure publicly.
Among the French or Franco-Israelis taken hostage by Hamas - the terror organization ruling the Gaza Strip - is 21-year-old Mia. On October 16, Hamas released a propaganda video showing that she was alive. "She's my best friend. They have to bring me my baby," his mother, Keren Schem, told Le Parisien in an interview at the time.
France wants to protect "170 people" in Gaza
In the same interview, Catherine Colonna indicates that "about 170" French or people linked to France live in Gaza. "There are about 170 French people who were settled, who lived there or who worked in non-governmental and humanitarian organizations. If we count our compatriots, their families but also the agents of France since there is a French cultural institute in Gaza, that is about <> people whose protection we want to ensure and whom we are monitoring closely, "she detailed.
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The foreign minister also called for "bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza, as quickly as possible and sustainably, into much larger volumes." "It would take hundreds of trucks every day," Colonna said. Since 21 October, when the first humanitarian trucks entered the Gaza Strip after the 7 October attack, 74 aid trucks have entered from neighbouring Egypt.