Macron says France opposes Lebanon 'becoming a new Gaza'

By Esra Taskin

PARIS (AA) - French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday his country opposes Lebanon "becoming a new Gaza," as Israel continues to conduct extensive strikes on the neighboring country that has killed hundreds this week.

At a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Montreal, Macron addressed Israel's attacks on Lebanon and called for a cease-fire in both Gaza and along the "Blue Line," the demarcation line between Lebanon from Israel.

“This intolerable situation must end,” Macron said, stressing the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, where Israel has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

Macron and Trudeau agreed that a political solution is needed to secure lasting peace in the region. "The continuation of the war in Gaza contributes to the spread of the conflict in the region," Macron said. "This is extremely concerning, and the main victim of this situation is Lebanon."

The French leader called the number of casualties from Israeli attacks in Lebanon “absolutely shocking” and reiterated France’s condemnation of Hezbollah’s actions.

“France opposes Lebanon becoming a new Gaza,” Macron said, urging Israel to stop its attacks and Hezbollah to abandon what he described as a "retaliation mindset."

Macron stressed that a political solution is the path to resolving the conflict between Lebanon and Israel.