France condemns Israel "indiscriminate fire" in Gaza

PARIS, April 7 (Xinhua) -- France on Saturday denounced escalating violence in the Gaza Strip where Israeli forces have killed scores of Palestinian protesters, calling on Israel to exercise the "utmost restraint", the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"France reiterates its condemnation of the Israeli army's indiscriminate fire. All light must be made on these serious events," foreign ministry spokesperson Agnes von der Muhll said.

"The use of force must be proportionate, in accordance with international humanitarian law, in order to avoid new victims," she said in the statement.

Von der Muhll said putting an end to the blockade in the Gaza Strip and lifting restrictive measures as well as guaranteeing credible security for Israel will help respond to the humanitarian crisis and prevent the escalation of tensions in the region.

"France remains convinced that the end of violence can only be ended by the resumption of a real dialogue to finally implement a political solution allowing two states, Israel and Palestine, to live side by side in peace and security," she added in the statement.

A Palestinian journalist was killed earlier on Saturday in the Gaza protest. The death toll in Gaza has risen to 29 since the beginning of the protests on March 30. Enditem