Macron: Halting arms exports to "Israel is key to ending aggression in Gaza, Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the Israeli Occupation's deliberate targeting of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon is "completely unacceptable."

On Friday, Macron emphasized that France "will not tolerate" further attacks on UN peacekeeping troops.

The French president noted that "halting arms exports" used in Gaza and Lebanon is the "only lever" to end the aggression while clarifying that this does not mean disarming the Israeli Occupation.

Speaking at a Mediterranean EU summit in Cyprus, Macron said, "France has persistently called for a halt to arms exports being used in these war theaters. Other leaders here have done the same. We all know this is the only lever that can stop what is happening," adding that "this is by no means a call to disarm Israel in the face of threats against this country and its people, our friends."

Macron condemned "Israel's" actions during the summit, stating, "We will not accept this, and we will not allow it to happen again," while thanking the participating countries for showing "a very clear stance alongside us on this issue."

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that it had summoned "Israel's" ambassador to Paris after the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) targeted the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) sites in Lebanon.

The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "These attacks constitute serious violations of international law and must stop immediately."

It added that "the occupation authorities must provide an explanation. Accordingly, France has summoned Tel Aviv’s ambassador in France to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs."

France previously expressed deep concern over the Israeli Occupation's targeting of UNIFIL.

UNIFIL issued a statement after two of its peacekeepers were injured by two explosions by the “Israeli” army fire today in the south.

“Two peacekeepers were injured after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower. One injured peacekeeper was taken to a hospital in Tyre, while the second is being treated in Naqoura,” the statement said, noting that this is the second incident where “Israeli” soldiers opened fire on UNIFIL forces in the last 48 hours.

It said that several walls near the Blue Line in Labbouneh fell down when an “Israeli” military caterpillar hit the perimeter and tanks moved in proximity to the UNIFIL unit.

“These incidents put again UN peacekeepers, who are serving in south Lebanon at the request of the Security Council under resolution 1701 (2006), at very serious risks,” the statement warned.

“This is a serious development, and UNFIL reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times. Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701 (2006),” it concluded.

The UK government condemned the incident, and urged all parties in the conflict to "comply with international law".

"We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected," a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters.