French President Emmanuel Macron, in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, stressed the need for the United Nations to “fully exercise its role” in Southern Lebanon to facilitate the return of civilian populations, announced the Élysée Palace.
During the conversation, Macron urged Netanyahu to preserve infrastructure, protect civilian lives, and achieve a ceasefire in Lebanon as soon as possible. He emphasized that “the United Nations must fully play its role in Southern Lebanon to allow civilians to safely return to their homes on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border.”
Macron reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza and condemned the recent Israeli attacks on positions of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This comes amid escalating public exchanges of criticism between the French and Israeli governments over the past few weeks.
The French President’s office also noted that Macron expressed his solidarity with Netanyahu following a drone attack targeting his residence.
Moreover, Macron informed Netanyahu that he sees the assassination of Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas’ political bureau, as an opportunity for a new phase in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
Last Friday, Hamas officially confirmed the assassination of Yahya Sinwar, emphasizing that Israeli captives “will not return” to Israel unless the “aggression” on Gaza ceases.
The Israeli occupation continues its war against the Gaza Strip, committing numerous massacres against Palestinians due to intense and heavy aerial, naval, and ground bombardments, resulting in an unprecedented humanitarian disaster.
