Eric Cantona calls on Hollande to change policy towards Israel

Former France and Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona has expressed strong anger over the policy of the French President Francois Hollande, for its support of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

Speaking to Mediapart news website, Cantona, who rose to prominence in the 1990s, appealed for the president to change his policy towards Israel.

He also criticised the French decision to ban pro-Palestinian rallies in different parts of the country. “Mr President, we hope that you review your policy towards Israel,” he said.

French NGOs and human rights organisations accuse Hollande of pursuing a pro-Israeli policy.

During the last two weeks, the mayor of Paris mayor banned two pro-Palestinian demonstrations and permitted one. Another one is scheduled for today, Saturday. It was approved after intense pressure by a number of NGOs and human rights organisations.

Since the beginning of the war, Israel has killed 1,650 Palestinians, including 315 children, 166 women, and 58 elderly. It also wounded 8,900, including 2,307 children, 1,529 women and 287 elderly.

According to official UN statistics, around 80 per cent of the fatalities of the Israeli bombing on Gaza are civilians.

Many of the European and Arabic capitals and main cities have been witnessing pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza.