Macron: Nothing justifies Israel's escalation in Lebanon

France and Germany are calling for an immediate end to the escalating conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement. French President Emmanuel Macron declared on X that "nothing justifies" the current escalation in southern Lebanon, urging for the fighting to cease "once and for all." He also stressed the importance of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran.

Macron's remarks followed reports of Israeli forces occupying the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon and raising the Israeli flag. This strategic location overlooks southern Lebanon and was previously used as a base during an Israeli occupation. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed concerns, calling Israel's military actions in Lebanon a "cause for serious concern." He warned that further escalation would worsen the already tense situation and lead to new waves of internal displacement in Lebanon.

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene on Monday to address the escalating situation, with France initiating the urgent meeting. In recent days, Israel has intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military ordered Lebanese civilians living south of the Zahrani River to evacuate to areas north of the river, citing an escalation of the military offensive against Hezbollah.

A ceasefire agreement, intended to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, took effect on April 17. However, both sides have since accused each other of violating the terms, with each citing the other's attacks as justification for their own actions.

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Intet retfærdiggør den store optrapning, der er i gang i det sydlige Libanon