PARIS, France (AFP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an end to arms shipments to Israel, amid widespread criticism regarding its military actions in Gaza. In an interview with broadcaster France Inter, Macron emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to the ongoing conflict.
“The priority right now is to return to a political solution and to cease the supply of weapons for the fighting in Gaza,” Macron stated. He clarified that France itself is not involved in sending arms to the region, responding to ongoing concerns about military support for Israel.
While France has refrained from supplying arms, the United States continues to deliver approximately $3 billion in military aid to Israel each year. In May, U.S. officials indicated they lacked sufficient evidence to halt weapons shipments but acknowledged that Israel’s use of arms might not always comply with humanitarian law.
In a related development, the UK recently announced it would suspend certain arms exports to Israel, citing significant concerns that these weapons could contribute to violations of international humanitarian standards.
Macron expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Gaza, noting that calls for a ceasefire seem to be going unheard. “This is a mistake for the security of Israel and is fostering an environment of hatred,” he remarked. He further highlighted the critical need to prevent escalation in Lebanon, asserting that “Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza.”
As Israel prepares to mark the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, which precipitated the current conflict, the region remains on edge. Reports indicate that the death toll from the attack has reached 1,205, primarily among civilians, according to official Israeli figures. Meanwhile, the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 41,825 individuals, predominantly civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run health ministry. The United Nations has affirmed the reliability of these figures.
