Macron Urges Israel to Cease Strikes Amid Rising Tensions in Gaza and Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to cease strikes on Gaza and respect ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon amid heightened military actions and increased humanitarian crises.

French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Israel should “put an end to the strikes on Gaza and return to the ceasefire.” This remark was made during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Macron emphasized the necessity of adhering to the truce in place between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This statement follows Israel’s resumption of bombardments in Gaza amid the collapse of a temporary ceasefire with Hamas.

Macron further stressed the immediate need for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza following a resurgence in violence. Israel’s military operations were reinstated on March 18, culminating in a new ground offensive that ended a nearly two-month ceasefire initially sparked by Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. Recent reports indicate that an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis resulted in the tragic death of at least eight individuals, including five children, during the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Additionally, Macron urged Israel to maintain the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon after Israeli strikes reportedly hit Hezbollah positions in southern Beirut, signaling an escalation after a four-month pause. This airstrike followed rocket fire from Lebanon into Israel, which threatened the fragile status quo. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, denied any involvement in the offensive actions prompting Israeli retaliation.

Amid rising tensions, Netanyahu has asserted that Israel will not hesitate to target threats within Lebanon, declaring that “the equation has changed.” Macron has condemned the strikes in Beirut as an “unacceptable” breach of the ceasefire, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting five fatalities from the attacks.

In summary, President Macron’s appeal to Prime Minister Netanyahu underscores urgent calls for an end to strikes on Gaza and the maintenance of ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon. The resumption of Israeli military actions and resulting humanitarian crises highlight the fragile state of the region and the complexity of the ongoing conflict. Macron’s diplomatic effort reflects the seriousness of the situation, aiming to promote peace and immediate humanitarian assistance.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr