Macron welcomes Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, warns military operations could undermine truce

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday welcomed a newly announced 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, while warning that continued military operations risk undermining the fragile truce. "I fully support the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel as announced by (US) President (Donald) Trump yesterday (Thursday)," he said through X.

Concerns over violations

However, the French leader voiced concern that the agreement may already be at risk. "I also express my concern that it may already be undermined by the continuation of military operations," Macron said, highlighting the urgency of halting hostilities. He further stressed the need to protect civilians on both sides of the border, urging restraint and adherence to international law.

Call for conditions

"I call for the safety of civilian populations on both sides of the border between Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah must renounce its weapons. Israel must respect Lebanese sovereignty and stop the war," he added.

Ceasefire details

On Thursday, Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon would begin a 10-day ceasefire at midnight local time in Beirut and Tel Aviv (2100GMT). The announcement followed US-mediated talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations that took place on Tuesday at the State Department in Washington, DC.

Conflict context

The US and Israel began attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliation from Tehran against US allies in the Gulf, and from Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel then began striking Hezbollah, killing nearly 2,200 people and displacing 1 million over the last six weeks. The Iran war is also on a halt, with efforts to end it permanently underway.