French Foreign Minister Calls for Seizing Opportunity for Ceasefire in Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

French Foreign Minister Calls for Seizing Opportunity for Ceasefire in Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
November 24, 2024, 4:05 pm

تصعيد جوي إسرائيلي يطال معابر سوريا ولبنان

On Sunday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged both Lebanese and Israeli parties to seize the "opportunity" to establish a ceasefire amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

In an interview with France 3, Barrot stated, "There is a timely opportunity, and I call on all parties to take advantage of it."

Expressing his "cautious" optimism, he emphasized the importance of diplomacy and working with the relevant parties to establish criteria that ensure Israel's security and the safety of Lebanese territories. He believes a mutually acceptable resolution is possible, encouraging all sides to embrace it in order to halt hostilities and address the humanitarian crisis.

His remarks align with those made by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who discussed "further progress" toward a ceasefire following his recent visits to Lebanon and Israel.

In response to a question about the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and whether he would be detained if he visited France, Barrot stated that it was a hypothetical question and did not require an answer. He clarified that "France will always uphold international law," noting that the warrant is an "official affirmation of the accusation" rather than a verdict.

This comes as European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called from Beirut on Sunday for an "immediate" ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, coinciding with the ongoing confrontation that has persisted for over two months amid intensified efforts to halt the fighting.

Since September 23, Israel has increased its airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut and across southern and eastern Lebanon, commencing ground operations in the south at the end of that month.

Since the exchange of fire began on October 8, 2023, over 3,670 people have been reported dead in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, with approximately 900,000 displaced within the country.

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