Macron urges suspension of arms deliveries to Israel amid Gaza conflict
French President Emmanuel Macron attends a meeting with the leaders of the French Employers' association (MEDEF), the CPME and the Union of local businesses, after he signed into law the pension reform raising the retirement age, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, April 18, 2023. (Reuters/Stephanie Lecocq)
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel amid ongoing criticism of the country’s retaliatory operations in Gaza. Speaking in an interview with radio network France Inter, Macron emphasized the importance of seeking a political resolution to the conflict.
“I believe that the priority today is to return to a political solution and stop delivering weapons for the fighting in Gaza,” Macron said. He clarified that France is not currently supplying arms to Israel.
Concerns over humanitarian law compliance
The United States provides approximately $3 billion in weapons to Israel annually.
In May, the U.S. State Department acknowledged concerns over the use of these arms, stating it was “reasonable to assess” that Israel had used them in ways inconsistent with humanitarian law, though it did not have sufficient evidence to block shipments.
Similarly, in September, the United Kingdom suspended some arms exports to Israel, citing the risk of their use in serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
Calls for cease-fire ignored
Macron also reiterated his concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has persisted despite repeated calls for a ceasefire. “I think we are not being heard,” he said, adding that continuing the conflict was a “mistake,” including for Israel’s security.
Concerns grow over escalation in Lebanon
The French president highlighted the risk of escalation in Lebanon, emphasizing that preventing the country from becoming “a new Gaza” was a priority.
The conflict, which began following a Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, has now drawn in neighboring Lebanon, raising concerns of a broader regional crisis.
Death toll and regional impact
The attack by Hamas, which took place a year ago, has resulted in 1,205 confirmed Israeli deaths, most of them civilians, according to official figures.
Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza has so far claimed the lives of at least 41,825 people, primarily civilians, according to the health ministry in Gaza.
The United Nations has confirmed that these figures are reliable.
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