France has strongly condemned the Israeli government’s plan to fully occupy Gaza, calling it a violation of international law.

France condemned on Friday the Israeli government’s plan to establish military control of Gaza City, warning it would lead to deadlock in efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict. “Such actions would constitute further serious violations of international law and lead to a complete dead end,

The move followed weeks of debate over reports of hunger in Gaza, but it was precipitated by Israel’s decision to expand military operations there.