Macron Calls for Halting Arms Shipments Used in Gaza Conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron attends the opening session of the 19th Summit of the Francophonie at the Grand Palais in Paris, France October 5, 2024. LUDOVIC MARIN/Pool via REUTERS

Paris, October 5, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate halt to the shipments of arms used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as part of broader efforts to seek a political solution. Speaking on Saturday, Macron emphasized that de-escalation is critical, stressing that arms fueling the conflict must be stopped.

“I think the priority today is to get back to a political solution, and that arms used to fight in Gaza are halted. France doesn’t ship any,” Macron said during an interview with France Inter radio. France, though not a major arms supplier to Israel, provided military equipment worth €30 million ($33 million) to the country last year, according to France's defense ministry report.

Macron also expressed concerns about the situation in Lebanon, stating that the Lebanese people must not become victims of further escalation. “The Lebanese people must not in turn be sacrificed, Lebanon cannot become another Gaza,” he warned.

His comments coincide with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s ongoing four-day visit to the Middle East, which concludes Monday in Israel. The visit is part of France’s efforts to revive diplomatic initiatives in the region and contribute to peace-building processes amidst escalating tensions.