PARIS: France said a government offensive in southwest Syria carried the risk of destabilising the region and called on Russia to abide by commitments it had made last year to ensure a "de-escalation" zone in the area.
"France is extremely concerned about the offensive conducted by the Syrian regime and its supporters in southwest Syria. These attacks carry a risk of escalation and regional destabilisation," French foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a statement on Thursday.
"France calls on Russia to enforce the commitments it made with regard to the ceasefire in southwestern Syria."
France calls on Russia to stick to southwest Syria de-escalation deal
France calls on Russia to stick to southwest Syria de-escalation deal
Gaza mourns victims as bodies arrive at Al-Shifa hospital
GAZA: Palestinians gathered at Gaza City’s Al-Shifa hospital on Tuesday to mourn loved ones killed in recent Israeli strikes on Gaza.
Four bodies were brought to the hospital from the Tuffah neighborhood following reported Israeli attacks.
Medical sources said the victims were killed in separate incidents in northern Gaza.
The Israeli military said it was not aware of any operations in northern Gaza on Tuesday.
More than 480 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since the October ceasefire, amid repeated accusations of violations.
Under a US-brokered ceasefire that came into effect on October 10, Israeli forces have withdrawn to positions behind a so-called "Yellow Line" in Gaza, though they remain in control of more than half of the territory.
"Following the identification, the (Israeli air force) struck and eliminated the terrorists in order to remove the threat," the military said.
Media restrictions in Gaza and limited access to many areas mean AFP cannot independently verify casualty figures and details provided by either side.
The ceasefire has largely halted fighting between Israel and Hamas, but both sides have accused each other of violating its terms.
With agencies









