French president calls on Israel to avoid escalation 'particularly in Lebanon'

By Seyma Uzundere

ANKARA (AA) – France's President Emmanuel Macron urged Israel to avoid escalation, "particularly in Lebanon," following the Israeli drone strike in Beirut, killing a top Hamas figure.

In a statement by Elysee Palace, Macron held a phone call with Benny Gantz, former Israeli defense minister and war cabinet member, after the assassination of the deputy chief of Hamas Saleh al-Arouri in the Lebanese capital.

During the talk, Macron highlighted that it was "essential" to avoid any escalatory action, particularly in Lebanon, according to the statement.

Expressing his concern over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, he also reminded Israel of the obligation to protect civilians.

Recalling the urgency of delivering the necessary humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, Macron noted that efforts should be made to establish a lasting cease-fire with the help of regional and international partners.

On Tuesday, an Israeli drone killed al-Arouri in Beirut along with two commanders of the group's military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, according to Hamas and Lebanese media.

Israel has not officially claimed responsibility.

Israel launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 22,313 Palestinians have since been killed and more than 57,000 others injured, according to Gaza’s health authorities, while nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas offensive.

The attacks have left Gaza in ruins, with most of the population displaced and facing shortages of basic necessities such as food, water and medicine.