Macron reiterates call for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Oct 2024 08:46

The French president spoke with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, expressing grave concern over the intensity of "Israel's" strikes on Lebanon.

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French President Emmanuel Macron, listens during a news press conference in Paphos, Cyprus, on Friday, Oct 11, 2024, as the leaders of nine southern European Union member countries and Jordan are meeting to come up with ways of de-escalating the situation in the Middle East. (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions with the Iraqi prime minister and the Lebanese Parliament speaker regarding the evolving situation in the Middle East, Anadolu Agency reported.

In a phone conversation, Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani voiced serious concerns over the escalating tensions in the region, according to a statement from the French presidency on Saturday.

Both leaders reiterated their strong commitment to preventing further escalation in the Middle East. Macron also expressed solidarity with civilians affected by the ongoing Israeli attacks and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

The Israeli war on Gaza has so far killed more than 42,000 Palestinians since October 7 of last year, while in Lebanon, Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,200 people since September 23.

Separately, Macron spoke with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, expressing grave concern over the intensity of "Israel's" strikes on Lebanon and their "dramatic" impact on civilians.

He emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and reaffirmed France's unwavering commitment to the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security, in accordance with UN Resolution 1701.

The Resolution was reached in the wake of the 2006 Israeli war on Lebanon and calls for the full cessation of hostilities and the deployment of the Lebanese Army to Southern Lebanon, as well as the establishment of a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line buffer zone [between Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories] and the Litani River.

"Israel" completely disregarded the resolution in the aftermath of the war, continuously violating Lebanese sovereignty with overflights from its aircraft.

The French president urged all political parties in Lebanon to come together in "this critical moment" to elect a president who would serve as a "guarantor of national unity."

He also reminded that an international conference aimed at supporting Lebanon is scheduled to take place in Paris on October 24.

Furthermore, Macron condemned the "unjust targeting" of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and reiterated France's strong support for the mission.

Israeli forces tore through UNIFIL base in third deliberate attack

UNIFIL issued Sunday a strong condemnation following a third deliberate violation by "Israel" where Israeli occupation forces (IOF) crossed the Blue Line into Lebanon and forcibly entered a UN position in Ramya.

According to the statement, three platoons of IOF soldiers, supported by two Merkava tanks, crossed into the area at around 4:30 am, destroying the UN base's main gate and demanding that the compound turn off its lights. The tanks withdrew about 45 minutes later after UNIFIL lodged a formal protest through established liaison channels.

At approximately 6:40 am, peacekeepers at the same UN position reported nearby rounds of fire, with smoke entering the camp. Despite the use of protective masks, 15 peacekeepers experienced skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues because of the smoke, requiring medical treatment.

UNIFIL also reported that IOF soldiers obstructed a critical UN logistical movement near Mays al-Jabal on Saturday, denying it passage and preventing the completion of the mission.

In its statement, UNIFIL reminded the IOF of its obligations under international law, including UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the safety of UN personnel and respect for the inviolability of UN premises.

"Breaching and entering a UN position is a serious violation of international law," the statement read. "Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law."

The peacekeeping force has requested an explanation from the IOF for the "shocking violations" and reiterated that any restrictions on its freedom of movement are also violations of Resolution 1701.