Macron Urges Israel to Avoid 'Escalatory Behavior' in Lebanon

In a recent development, French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Israel to "avoid any escalatory behavior, especially in Lebanon." 

This appeal comes in the wake of the assassination of Saleh Arouri, the Deputy Head of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). 

Arouri was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a building in Beirut's southern suburbs, a stronghold of Hezbollah, which supports the Palestinian faction. Hamas confirmed the incident.

The Elysée Palace, following a phone call between Macron and Israeli Minister Benny Gantz, a member of the Ministerial Committee on National Security, stated that the French President emphasized the need to "avoid any escalatory behavior, particularly in Lebanon." 

Macron assured that France would continue to communicate this message to all parties directly or indirectly involved in the region.

In response to the airstrike, Hezbollah denounced the assassination as a "serious attack on Lebanon," vowing that it "will not pass without response and punishment."

The French Presidency, in its statement, mentioned that President Macron reiterated to the Israeli Minister the call for "working towards a permanent ceasefire" between Israel and Hamas, with the assistance of regional and international partners.

President Macron also expressed his "profound concern about the very high number of civilian casualties and the extremely urgent humanitarian situation in Gaza."

This latest statement from the French President underscores the international community's growing concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

Macron's call for restraint and a permanent ceasefire reflects a broader desire for stability and peace in a region long marred by conflict.