France supports Lebanese sovereignty amid tensions after assassination of Hamas official by Israel

By Naim Berjawi

BEIRUT (AA) - France emphasized Wednesday its commitment to respecting Lebanon's sovereignty following the assassination of a senior Hamas official in Beirut.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati and French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip, regional development, and events in Lebanon in a telephone call, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

Colonna highlighted France's determination to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and said it is time to take on more responsibility than ever; no one will benefit from escalating tension.

Mikati urged pressure on Israel to halt attacks against Lebanon and its sovereignty, preventing the deterioration of the situation in the region.

He emphasized working toward stopping Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip and achieving a cease-fire.

"Continuing the attacks will drag the region into dangerous conflicts whose consequences no one knows," he said.

Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of the Hezbollah Movement in Lebanon, commented on the killing of Salih al-Aruri in Beirut.

"We cannot remain silent about this. This crime will not go unanswered and unpunished," he said. "So far, we have taken into account Lebanon's interests. However, if war is declared against Lebanon, our interests will require us to pursue the war to the end."

Hamas’ Political Bureau Deputy Chairman Saleh al-Arouri and six others were killed Tuesday in an Israeli drone attack in the Dahieh district of Beirut, referred to as a Hezbollah's stronghold.

Since Oct. 8, ongoing clashes at the border between the Israeli army and Hezbollah have resulted in the deaths of 28 Lebanese civilians, 147 Hezbollah members, 5 Israeli civilians and nine Israeli soldiers.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul