French President Emmanuel Macron Calls to Stop Sending Israel Weapons for Use in Gaza
In a bold move, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate halt to arms shipments to Israel, specifically those used in its ongoing operations in Gaza. Speaking during an interview with the French broadcaster France Inter, Macron emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to the nearly year-long conflict between Israel and Gaza. He stressed that sending weapons only fuels the violence and called for greater international pressure to find a peaceful resolution.
"We cannot continue to supply arms to Israel while it is engaged in such large-scale military operations in Gaza," Macron stated. The president further underlined the importance of prioritizing humanitarian considerations and noted that a ceasefire should be at the forefront of international efforts.
France has already ceased its military deliveries to Israel, according to Macron. However, there have been ongoing criticisms from human rights groups and investigative media regarding the transparency of France's arms sales, as reports indicated that France delivered over €30 million worth of military equipment to Israel in 2023. Despite this, Macron assured that no further shipments would be made as long as the conflict persists.
Macron's remarks come at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, with Israel also engaged in conflicts with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The French president urged Israel to exercise caution and avoid escalating the situation further, warning that Lebanon "cannot become another Gaza."
Macron’s call for an arms embargo is part of broader efforts by France and other European nations to mediate peace in the region. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in heavy civilian casualties, with estimates suggesting over 40,000 people have lost their lives in the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. France, along with other countries, has been pushing for an extended ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach affected areas and prevent further loss of life.
Despite the French government's stance, Israeli officials have pushed back against international criticism, maintaining that their actions are necessary for national security and to curb militant threats from groups in Gaza and Lebanon. Nevertheless, Macron's call for halting arms shipments adds to the growing international pressure for Israel to reconsider its military strategy in Gaza and seek a political solution.
The situation remains volatile, and Macron's leadership on this issue reflects France's ongoing commitment to fostering peace and stability in the Middle East, even as other nations continue to debate their role in the conflict.