BEIRUT: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Monday urged Israel to avoid sending ground troops into Lebanon and called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Speaking to reporters in Beirut, Barrot emphasized the urgency of de-escalation, stating, “I urge Israel to refrain from any ground incursion and to cease fire. I call on Hezbollah to do the same and refrain from any action that could destabilize the region.”
Barrot highlighted the necessity for both parties to agree to a truce that was recently proposed at the United Nations, asserting, “It is still on the table. There is still hope, but there is little time.”
Earlier, a joint statement from Paris, Washington, and various Arab, Western, and European nations, called for an “immediate 21-day ceasefire” to allow diplomatic efforts a chance to take root.
The situation in Lebanon has dramatically worsened, particularly after Israel dismissed the proposed ceasefire and intensified its military operations.
In recent days, Israeli airstrikes have targeted multiple locations across southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs. The conflict has escalated sharply following the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last Friday.
Since mid-September, Israeli strikes across Lebanon have killed over 1,000 people, authorities said.
