Macron Calls for Arms Export Halt to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

Paris, The Gulf Observer: French President Emmanuel Macron has urged a suspension of arms exports to Israel in light of its military actions in Gaza. Speaking to France Inter on Saturday, Macron emphasized the need to prioritize a return to political solutions in the region. “I think that today, the priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza,” he stated during an interview recorded earlier this week.

President Macron clarified that France is currently not supplying any arms to Israel, reinforcing his call for international accountability in the ongoing conflict.

In response to Macron’s statement, Palestine’s Foreign Ministry expressed its appreciation, describing the remarks as consistent with international law and resolutions supporting the two-state solution and human rights principles. The Ministry urged nations that continue to provide military support to Israel to adhere to international law and exert pressure on Israel to cease what it termed a “genocide against our people in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.”

Additionally, the Ministry called on signatories of the Arms Trade Treaty to take decisive action by implementing a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel to prevent the use of weapons and military equipment against civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Macron’s remarks during a phone conversation on Sunday, arguing that imposing restrictions on Israel would ultimately benefit Iran and its proxies.

The United States continues to provide substantial military assistance to Israel, amounting to approximately $3 billion in weapons annually, further complicating the international dynamics surrounding the conflict.

As tensions escalate, Macron’s call for a halt to arms exports highlights the increasing pressure on governments worldwide to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and pursue a more diplomatic approach to the ongoing conflict.