France will not support the forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip by Israel, Nicolas de Riviere, the permanent representative of France to the UN, Anadolu Agency reports.

“France is opposed to the forced displacement of populations. That’s very clear-cut…We will not support the forced displacement of people,” de Riviere told reporters.

“It’s more or less obvious that the Gaza Strip is inhabited by Palestinians. Our goal is for Palestinians to be able to continue living there in safety and security and under good conditions. That should be the priority.”

De Riviere said shutting people out of Gaza or recolonizing Gaza are “harebrained ideas,” adding it is essential to put an end to the military operation and not to target civilians.