France says Israel-Hamas deal must start 'without further delay

Paris is also urging "the immediate release of all hostages"

AFP 2023/11/23 16:16

This picture taken from southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke billowing after an Israeli strike in north Gaza on November 22, 2023 (Photo: Jack Guez/AFP)

Middle East Israel France palestine Gaza

Paris, France (AFP) - France on Thursday said an agreement between Israel and Hamas on the release of 50 hostages in exchange for a humanitarian truce should go ahead "without further delay".

Paris is also urging "the immediate release of all hostages", said Anne-Claire Legendre, spokeswoman for the French foreign ministry. "We call for the terms of this agreement to be fully respected," she added.

Israel has made a truce deal with Hamas but it says no hostages are expected to be released until at least Friday.