‘Nothing Can Justify' Israeli Occupation in Lebanon: France FM

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Paris: France's Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, stated on Tuesday that the continued military activity by Israel in Lebanese territory cannot be justified. This comes amid the most extensive Israeli operation into Lebanon in two decades.

Barrot's remarks come as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continued overnight, despite assurances of a cease-fire ahead of US-facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon.

The French minister specifically criticised the ongoing nature of Israeli military activities and what he described as a prolonged occupation of Lebanese territory. The comments come after Israel seized the historic Beaufort Castle on Sunday, a major hilltop castle overlooking southern Lebanon. The location was originally used as an Israeli military base during Israel's control of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000.

Concern about the intensifying war has grown, and France has demanded that the UN Security Council hold an urgent meeting to discuss Israel's military actions in Lebanon. Paris contends that the current campaign poses a threat to regional stability and undermines diplomatic initiatives.

Iran insists that a ceasefire in Lebanon is still a crucial requirement for any significant deal intended to ease the Middle East conflict, and the remarks are made in the midst of greater regional tensions.