Thu Oct 10 22:49:54 UTC 2024: ## Francophonie Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon Amidst Israeli Offensive
**Paris, France** – Following an Israeli ground operation into Lebanon that has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced individuals, the Francophonie, a group of 88 predominantly French-speaking countries, has issued a collective call for an immediate ceasefire.
The call was made during the 19th Francophonie Summit in Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron announced the group’s unanimous support for de-escalating tensions in the region. “We expressed our solidarity with Lebanon,” Macron stated. “We unanimously called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and reaffirmed our commitment to de-escalating tensions in the region. We want peace and security for all.”
Macron also announced an international conference to support Lebanon, scheduled for later this month.
The Francophonie’s call comes amidst a volatile situation on the Lebanese-Israeli border, where Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in near-daily cross-border fire since the eruption of the Gaza war late last year. The Israeli offensive into Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, including civilians, medics, and Hezbollah fighters, forcing over 1.2 million people from their homes in less than two weeks.
While Lebanon has repeatedly requested a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution, Israel has continued its offensive, arguing that it is defending itself against Hezbollah.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fiercely criticized Macron’s statements, particularly his suggestion that France might suspend arms sales to Israel. Netanyahu asserted that Israel is defending itself on multiple fronts against “the forces of barbarism led by Iran.”
“Shame on them,” Netanyahu said of Macron and other Western leaders calling for an arms embargo against Israel. “Is Iran imposing an arms embargo on Hezbollah, on the Houthis, on Hamas and on its other proxies? Of course not.”
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Paris, calling for an end to French arms sales to Israel and expressing support for both Lebanon and Gaza. They denounced France’s continued support for Israel, arguing that it is complicit in the violence in the region.
France has been a long-standing supporter of Israel, often defending its right to self-defense. According to a Defence Ministry report, France has issued 767 export licenses to Israel since 2015, selling an average of €20 million worth of military equipment annually. Despite a legal challenge from 11 NGOs in April 2023, France’s arms sales to Israel continue.
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