France Reiterates Concern Over Escalating Violence in Lebanon
ISTANBUL
France has expressed deep concern over escalating violence in Lebanon and called for stronger protection of UN peacekeepers amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The French Foreign Ministry announced the measures Tuesday.
Call for UN Security Council Action
France requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in New York to discuss the deteriorating situation. The ministry emphasized that UN personnel, property, and facilities must be safeguarded according to international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Recent Escalation in the Region
Tensions rose following the joint military strikes by Israel and United States on Iran on Feb. 28, which killed over 1,200 people. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military forces. Israel has also intensified operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, where a ceasefire had been in place since late 2024.
Attack on UN Peacekeepers Condemned
France condemned an attack on March 6 that injured three members of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), including one seriously wounded peacekeeper. The French president expressed solidarity with Ghana, which contributes troops to UNIFIL, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured personnel.
Calls for Restraint and Compliance
The French government urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to the ceasefire reached on Nov. 26, 2024. It condemned Hezbollah for joining Iranian attacks on Israel since March 1 and called on the group to end operations and surrender its weapons. France also supported Lebanon’s decision on March 2 to ban Hezbollah’s military and security activities.
France further urged Israel to avoid launching a ground invasion or large-scale operation in Lebanon. The ministry stressed the importance of respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also highlighted the growing displacement of civilians and said it is coordinating with Lebanese authorities and humanitarian organizations, including the UNHCR, to address urgent humanitarian needs.
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