PARIS: A number of European and Middle Eastern countries strongly criticised Israel’s latest military offensive in Lebanon on Sunday, as France pushed for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council following discussions between President Emmanuel Macron and key regional leaders.
President Macron stated that “nothing justifies the major escalation under way in south Lebanon”, where Israeli forces have launched a renewed operation against Hezbollah.
In a post on X after speaking with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, Macron stressed that it was “essential” for an agreement to be reached quickly between the United States and Iran.
During the consultations, Macron spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
“France will continue to support the Lebanese authorities in their efforts to restore the sovereignty of the state and the country’s territorial integrity,” Macron wrote.
He emphasised that regional stability “must begin with Lebanon, where it is urgent that all weapons fall silent, for good.” Macron further noted that a ceasefire should be a “priority” between the United States and Iran and called for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen immediately “without any conditions and in accordance with international law”.
“Talks must then continue in order to reach a comprehensive and robust agreement on other issues, particularly the nuclear and ballistic programmes and regional stability,” he added.
“France stands ready to fully play its part by helping to restore maritime traffic through the independent multinational mission set up with the United Kingdom,” he said.
Germany voices concern
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed concern over Israel’s advance into southern Lebanon and urged all parties to halt hostilities.
“The Israeli army’s advance further into southern Lebanon is cause for serious concern,” the statement said, adding: “Any further escalation will exacerbate the already tense situation and trigger new waves of displacement within Lebanon.”
Qatar and Jordan denounce attacks
Qatar condemned the continuing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including the expansion of ground operations and strikes targeting civilians.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Doha “deems these actions a dangerous escalation and an egregious violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly Republic of Lebanon and an open breach of international humanitarian rules-based order”.
Qatar also urged the international community to ensure that Israel halts its repeated attacks, respects international law, and fully implements UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Jordan likewise criticised the ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon and called on the international community to take a firm stance to stop further violations. The Jordanian foreign ministry reaffirmed support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to exercise authority across its entire territory.
Egypt warns of regional consequences
Egypt strongly condemned Israel’s military escalation, describing the widening ground operations in southern Lebanon as a serious breach of Lebanese sovereignty.
In a statement, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said the developments represented a clear act of aggression and reflected attempts to impose a new military reality on the ground, in grave violation of international law, the UN Charter and established international norms.
Cairo reiterated its rejection of any violation of Lebanese territory and reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s unity, institutions and territorial integrity.
The ministry called for the immediate and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and stressed the need for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, enabling Lebanese state institutions, particularly the armed forces, to exercise exclusive authority throughout the country.
