French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday called for a halt to shipments of weapons used in the Gaza Strip to Israel, adding that France does not send weapons to Israel.
“I think today's priority is to return to a political solution and stop supplying weapons to fight in Gaza,” President Macron said in an interview with France Inter's Etcetra radio program. politiko.
This comes as Israel faces criticism over its retaliation in the Gaza Strip after Hamas attacked it on October 7 last year. Tensions in the Middle East have been rising ever since, as Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been engaged in a nearly year-long cross-border conflict, linked to the ongoing Gaza war. I am doing it.
President Macron said the priority was to “avoid escalation” amid the growing potential threat of wider regional conflict.
President Macron also called for a ceasefire at a press conference after the Francophonie summit.
“An immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as in Lebanon, is essential. We must avoid escalating tensions, protect civilians, free hostages, and find a political solution necessary for the security of Israel and all countries. “No,” he said in a translated comment. Post to X.
Continuing without a ceasefire would also jeopardize Israel's security, he argued.
“I don't think our voices are being heard,” Macron said, according to Le Monde newspaper. “I think this is a mistake, including for Israel's security.”
“Lebanon cannot become the new Gaza,” he added, warning of the potential impact of rising tensions, according to Le Monde newspaper.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later criticized Macron's comments and called on other countries to support Israel in a video message. Posted on X.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said: “All civilized countries should stand firmly on Israel's side as it fights barbaric forces led by Iran. Nevertheless, President Macron and other Western leaders are now using weapons against Israel. They are calling for an embargo. They should be ashamed.”
President Macron reportedly responded with a statement claiming France is a “loyal friend of Israel,” but Prime Minister Netanyahu's response was “overreach and a departure from the friendly relations between France and Israel.” He is said to have said. era of israel.
Congress has allocated approximately $3 billion to $4 billion annually to Israel since the 1970s. Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved approximately $20 billion worth of weapons to Israel in August, according to the State Department.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration halted ammunition shipments to Israel. Last month, Britain suspended some arms sales to Israel, citing the risk that the weapons would violate international humanitarian law.
