PARIS — The death toll of French citizens from the Hamas attacks in Israel has risen to 19, and 13 others are still unaccounted for and may have been taken hostage, French foreign minister Catherine Colonna said on Sunday.
“Everything will be done to bring our compatriots back home. France does not abandon its children,” Colonna told a news conference at the end of a visit to Tel Aviv.
“Israel has the right to defend itself against the monstrosity of Hamas and the danger it represents. Its response must be firm, it must be fair, it must be strong, it will be strong if it is fair and in line with international law.”
Speaking before continuing her trip on to Egypt and Lebanon, she added that everything must be done to avoid a regional escalation.
