France has expressed its firm opposition to what it describes as a “clear violation of international law”, after the Israeli attack against the peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This statement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, during a session at the National Assembly.
Jean-Noël Barrot stressed that “France does not look away” from the current events, deploring a “toll which is increasing by the hour, in Gaza as in Lebanon”. He also recalled that France has taken several humanitarian initiatives since October 7, notably by organizing a humanitarian conference and providing care to Gazans.
The minister criticized Israeli attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers, saying “France was the first Western country to treat Gazans” and played a key role in implementing sanctions against extremist settlers. He also announced that the President of the Republic continues to condemn these attacks during his discussions with the Israeli Prime Minister.
Regarding UNIFIL, Jean-Noël Barrot insisted on the importance of maintaining it to “preserve the stability of southern Lebanon”. He recalled that France will organize a conference in support of Lebanon on October 24.
Since October 7, 2023, more than 42,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, including many children and women, due to attacks in Gaza. In Lebanon, a significant number of deaths have also been reported since the end of September, linked to Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah.
