President Macron spoke on the telephone to Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, today, Tuesday 15 October 2024.
The President recalled France's determination to avoid a conflagration across the whole region, which would have devastating consequences for people and international security. In this respect, he condemned Hezbollah's attacks against Israeli territory and reiterated France's commitment to Israel's security. He also condemned the indiscriminate Israeli strikes, which are only increasing the already intolerable human toll in both Gaza and Lebanon.
The President reiterated to the Israeli Prime Minister the absolute necessity of concluding a ceasefire in Lebanon without further delay and called on him to stop his operations. France had proposed with the United States a 21-day ceasefire allowing a definitive settlement to be reached on the Blue Line: it was necessary to return to this diplomatic channel, the only one likely to address Israel's security demands.
The President also expressed his outrage after several Blue Helmets were wounded by Israeli forces in Naqoura, and he urged Israel to end this unjustifiable targeting. UNIFIL is an essential factor of credibility in resolving the crisis in southern Lebanon: UNIFIL is set to remain in southern Lebanon, for the benefit of both Israel's and Lebanon's security. In this framework, France will continue to work with troop contributors and alongside the United Nations Secretary-General to fully implement UNIFIL's mission.
In Gaza, President Macron reiterated that a ceasefire must be concluded as quickly as possible to secure the release of all the hostages, protect civilians and ensure free and unimpeded humanitarian access, and he regretted that this access has been drastically limited since the offensive on Rafah. In this regard, the Head of State lent his support to the Jordanian humanitarian plan.
Finally, the President signalled his very deep concern over the situation in the West Bank, the violence against civilians – particularly by settlers – and the accelerated continuation of settlement activity.