Macron condemns Israeli strikes on UN Peacekeepers, calls for Cease-fire

French President Emmanuel Macron sharply critici Israel’s attacks on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon on Friday, calling the incidents “totally unacceptable” and demanding an immediate halt to the violence.

Speaking at a summit of European Union member states focused on Mediterranean affairs, Mr. Macron said France would not tolerate the deliberate targeting of UNIFIL troops by the Israeli army. His remarks follow two instances this week where Israeli forces shelled a UN observation post in southern Lebanon, injuring four peacekeepers.

“It is totally unacceptable to see UNIFIL troops being deliberately targeted by Israeli army forces,” Mr. Macron said at a joint news conference. “We condemn it, we do not tolerate it, and we will not tolerate that it is being repeated.”

Mr. Macron renewed his call for a cease-fire in both Gaza and Lebanon, describing it as “indispensable” to de-escalate the conflict. He also suggested halting arms flows to the region as a means of leverage to end the fighting, stressing that this was not aimed at disarming Israel but rather preventing further instability.

Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes across Lebanon since Sept. 23, targeting what it says are Hezbollah positions. The strikes have resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with Lebanese authorities reporting over 1,351 people killed and more than 1.2 million displaced. The conflict further escalated on Oct. 1 when Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

The violence has fueled fears of a broader regional war, despite international warnings urging restraint.