Israel bars French diplomats' Gaza visit

JERUSALEM, July 15 (UPI) -- Israel prevented French diplomats from entering Gaza to celebrate Bastille Day, because of Gilad Shalit's ongoing captivity, Israeli security officials said.

The diplomats should not be allowed to celebrate a holiday of freedom and human rights while the kidnapped soldier remains in captivity, an official told Haaretz Wednesday.

Israeli officials said the diplomats' request for 15 entry visas Tuesday morning was too late, as regulations require requests to be submitted 48 hours prior to the intended visit, the paper said.

A Foreign Ministry source quoted in the paper, accused the diplomats of provocation, saying they were well aware they submitted the request late, with the intention of blaming Israel for ruining their holiday.

French Ambassador Jean Michel Cas called for the immediate release of Shalit at the embassy's celebration in Jaffa, the paper said.