Tensions heighten in the volatile Israeli-Lebanese border region as Israel and radical Islamic Hamas continue their ongoing conflict. Frequent exchanges of fire between Israeli troops and the Iranian-backed Shiite Hezbollah militia have resulted in deadly consequences.
During a meeting with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen expressed his country's desire to avoid opening a new conflict on its northern border with Lebanon. He believed France could play a valuable role in preventing a potential war between Israel and Hezbollah, thereby averting an expansion of the Middle East conflict.
Colonna is set to hold talks in Lebanon on Monday and meet with the UN mission Unifil's commander, aiming to promote de-escalation and diplomatic solutions. She has previously urged for an immediate, renewed, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to spare civilians from further suffering.
France vehemently condemns the attacks by the Houthi rebels in Yemen on Israel and ships in the Red Sea. It is actively considering various options to prevent these attacks from recurring with the help of partners.
Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by both the USA and EU, has been responsible for the deaths of over 1140 people and the kidnapping of around 250 people in the Gaza Strip. Israel responded with attacks on targets in the Gaza Strip and launched a ground offensive.
France firmly opposes any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, viewing such actions as a violation of international law. It is also actively involved in mediation and aid efforts in Gaza, collaborating with Egypt to deliver aid to those in need and supporting the reopening of the Rafah crossing.
France emphasizes that Gaza's future lies within a future Palestinian state, working towards a two-state solution. It highly appreciates Egypt's pivotal role in resolving regional issues and achieving peace, and it urges Iran to support de-escalation efforts in the Middle East.
Additional Insights:
- In response to Israel's proposal for UNIFIL deployment, France has suggested the deployment of French troops to five positions proximally to the Blue Line to replace and ensure security for the local population.
- France reaffirms its commitment to the complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel.
- The French government supports the redeployment of the Lebanese Army, in close collaboration with UNIFIL, to carry out demining operations and facilitate the return of displaced populations to their homes under secure conditions.
[1] France info. (2021, March 31). La France pourrait déployer des troupes dans le Sud du Liban sous couverture de l’ONU. [2] France diplomatie. (2021, January 14). Relevance of the Situation in the Gaza Strip during the January 2021 International Conference on Palestine and the Indivisibility of the Territories: Statement by France. [3] AFP. (2020, September 26). Macron Urges Iran to Support De-escalation in Middle East.
