Hezbollah's provocations risking Lebanon’s future: Macron's stark warning

During his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France's position on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, underscoring the urgent need for a ceasefire.

Macron acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself following the brutal terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, but also emphasized that the war has gone on too long, causing unnecessary civilian casualties in Gaza.

"The tens of thousands of Palestinian civilian victims have no justification," Macron stated, mourning the loss of innocent lives and pointing out that this is also "a scandal for humanity" that only fuels hatred and resentment. The French president called for the immediate halt to hostilities, demanding that a ceasefire coincide with the release of hostages and the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Macron highlighted that France has been active in diplomatic efforts since the beginning of the conflict, including organizing the first humanitarian conference for Gaza in Paris in November 2023. He stressed that with the destruction of Hamas' military capabilities, a new phase must begin in Gaza—one focused on humanitarian relief and civilian protection.

A Diplomatic Solution and the Two-State Proposal

Macron outlined France's commitment to supporting any initiative aimed at saving lives and ensuring regional security. He called for the deployment of an international mission to pave the way for the implementation of the two-state solution. "It is up to the United Nations Security Council to act on this matter," Macron declared, insisting on the restoration of the Palestinian Authority and the need for a clear connection between Gaza and the West Bank to secure long-term stability and rebuild the war-torn territory.

Lebanon at Risk: Macron Warns Against Escalation

Turning his attention to Lebanon, Macron expressed deep concern for the country's safety as tensions rise between Hezbollah and Israel. He warned that Hezbollah's actions, which risk drawing Lebanon into a broader conflict, are intolerable. At the same time, he cautioned Israel against expanding its military operations into Lebanon, warning of severe consequences.

"The risk of escalation is the primary threat right now," Macron said, reiterating his solidarity with the Lebanese people. He urged both sides to refrain from further military actions and called on those supplying Hezbollah with resources to cease immediately.

Macron further stressed France's insistence that all parties respect their obligations along the "Blue Line," the demarcation between Lebanon and Israel, vowing to work diplomatically to prevent a regional explosion.

France's Role in Preventing Regional War

As part of France’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives, Macron reaffirmed the importance of finding peaceful solutions in the Middle East and preventing the conflict from spilling into Lebanon. He urged Israel to halt its escalation in Lebanon and Hezbollah to stop its attacks on Israel, emphasizing that a wider war in Lebanon must be avoided at all costs.

In his final remarks, Macron appealed to the international community, highlighting the urgency of diplomatic solutions to safeguard civilians and restore peace to the region.