French FM to Iranian counterpart: 'Everyone must condemn terrorist attacks against Israel'

The French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, spoke on Thursday with her Iranian counterpart, Mr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, at the latter's request, in Geneva.

The minister recalled the need for everyone to condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel and its population. There could be no ambiguity about it. The acts of terror perpetrated against civilians were unjustifiable and unacceptable.

She reiterated France's commitment to Israel's security and right to defend itself and its citizens in a targeted and proportionate manner, in accordance with international humanitarian law. She stressed that all measures must be taken to spare civilians and that humanitarian access must be guaranteed.

The minister firmly warned her counterpart against any escalation or extension of the conflict, particularly in Lebanon. The Islamic Republic of Iran had a heavy responsibility in this regard.

The minister finally called for the immediate release of the four French nationals still arbitrarily detained in Iran and whose situation is extremely worrying.