The bloody attacks against Israel by Hamas militants are "similar" to crimes against humanity, France's foreign minister said on Wednesday.
Iran-backed Hamas killed Israeli civilians in their homes and on the streets in an unprecedented assault launched Saturday.
Thousands have now died on both sides, with Israel unleashing a massive bombardment of Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Asked if the Hamas attacks were crimes against humanity, Catherine Colonna told France Info radio "The legal qualification for these crimes will be given at the appropriate time, but it can be considered that they are similar to such crimes."
"Words fail me to describe the abomination which accompanied these terrorist attacks, people chased from their homes, executions, violations of human dignity, of mortal remains," the minister said.
"We have to condemn these atrocities, the inhuman behaviour of those who committed such atrocities.
"Hamas was applying its vision of things ... the destruction of Israel".
The minister said opening a humanitarian corridor to allow Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip was "possible and desirable so that women and children could leave".
"The population should not be confused with Hamas," she added.
Colonna noted that 11 French citizens have died in the fighting and that the toll was likely to rise.
Another 18 French citizens are missing, some of whom are likely to be among the 150 hostages taken by Hamas.
