What's happened
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a halt to arms exports to Israel for use in Gaza, aiming to de-escalate violence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded angrily, asserting that Israel will prevail regardless of international support. The situation escalates amid ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in the region.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Macron's comments were aimed at the U.S., emphasizing the need for a political solution and warning against escalating violence. Netanyahu's response was sharp, labeling Macron's stance as disgraceful and asserting Israel's right to defend itself. The New York Times noted that Macron reiterated France's support for Israel while advocating for an immediate ceasefire, indicating a complex balancing act in French foreign policy. The Mirror highlighted the UK's position, with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps acknowledging the need for Israel to minimize civilian casualties while maintaining its right to self-defense.
How we got here
The conflict has intensified since Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Macron's comments reflect France's desire to influence U.S. policy and revive ceasefire discussions, particularly in Lebanon, where tensions with Hezbollah have escalated.
More on these topics
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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Gaza may refer to:
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.