France, April 1 -- The office of President Emmanuel Macron, who is in Tokyo this week, said on Tuesday it was "surprised" by criticism from US President Donald Trump, who claimed France would not allow planes carrying military supplies to Israel cross its territory.

Trump wrote on social media that France had been "very unhelpful" and said it would not let "planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory".

French officials said US aircraft can still cross French airspace under international rules, but must first obtain diplomatic clearance. Each flight is reviewed individually.

The French presidency said its position had not changed since the start of the conflict.

Europe confronts fragme...