PARIS, March 21 (Xinhua) -- France opposes any form of annexation of Gaza and the West Bank by Israel, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday.

"France opposes any form of annexation, whether it is the West Bank or the Gaza Strip," Barrot said at a press conference during his visit to Dijon, east France.

According to Barrot, France has a "very clear vision of what the future of the region should be."

"It is a solution for two States living in peace side by side, with mutual recognition and security guarantees. This is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region," he noted.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned earlier Friday that Israel will annex territories in the Gaza Strip if Hamas refuses to release the remaining hostages.

Israel resumed strikes in Gaza on Tuesday after its ceasefire deal with Hamas that began on Jan. 19 unraveled. Israeli troops later launched ground operations in southern, northern, and central Gaza.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza media office, the death toll from the renewed Israeli strikes in Gaza has neared 600, in addition to more than 1,000 wounded. Enditem

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