French President Emmanuel Macron called for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel in a radio interview on Saturday.
It is a priority to return to a political solution and stop arms supplies for the fighting in the Gaza Strip, Macron said on France Inter radio station. France will not supply weapons, he said.
Macron lamented that despite all diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, especially with Israel, nothing is moving forward in the conflict.
“I think we are not being heard, and I consider it a mistake, also for Israel’s security,” Macron emphasized. He said it is clearly visible in public opinion in France and, even more direly, in public opinion in the region. According to him, this fuels feelings of resentment and hatred.
France will continue to supply defense equipment to Israel, mainly for missile defense, French television channel BFMTV reported after the interview, citing the presidential palace.
On October 7, 2023, terrorists from the Palestinian militant organization Hamas and affiliated groups infiltrated Israel. They committed brutal massacres, killing more than 1,200 people and kidnapping about 250.
Since the major attack by Hamas, Israel has been carrying out major military operations in the Gaza Strip. More than 41,800 people have been killed, according to the latest figures from the Hamas-run health authority there, which cannot be independently verified.