French Foreign Minister: Israel's Attack on Lebanon Cannot Be Tolerated

Paris (ANTARA) - French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Thursday (9/4) that Israel’s attack on Lebanon cannot be tolerated. “We strongly condemn this large-scale attack,” Barrot said through France Inter radio. He conveyed that the attack is increasingly intolerable because it damages the temporary ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran that had been achieved previously. Barrot warned that war would trigger other wars and that existing positions would become increasingly radical and hardline. He also emphasised that negotiations must begin. Barrot called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that freedom of navigation in international waters is a common interest that cannot be obstructed by any barriers or restrictions on shipping traffic. He stated that France opposes the imposition of tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. So far, Israel’s attacks in various parts of Lebanon on Wednesday (8/4) have killed at least 254 people and injured 1,165 others, based on the latest data from Lebanon’s Civil Defence. Densely populated areas in Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, were among the most severely affected. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Israel’s latest attacks on Lebanon on Wednesday, emphasising that “Lebanon must be fully included” in the Middle East ceasefire.