On Monday the foreign ministry reported that approximately 20 French nationals have asked the French consulate in Jerusalem for help to leave the Gaza Strip after Israel launched a military offensive in the territory.

The 20 citizens and their Palestinian spouses or family members will be taken to Israel through the Erez crossing, said spokesperson Eric Chevallier.

According to medics in Gaza, more than 500 people have died since Israel began its military operation against Hamas militants 10 days ago.

Israel