Lebanon – Israeli strikes

France condemns in the strongest terms the massive strikes carried out on 8 April by Israel on Lebanon, including many districts of Beirut. The Lebanese authorities have reported an initial, preliminary toll of at least 250 dead and more than 800 injured, a very significant proportion of them civilians, adding to the more than 1,500 deaths recorded since the beginning of the conflict that Hezbollah started against Israel on 2 March. 

These strikes are especially unacceptable because they jeopardize the temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran the day after it was concluded. This ceasefire must include Lebanon in order to end hostilities at regional level and pave the way for a solution to the crisis that guarantees the conditions for a lasting regional peace. France therefore calls on all parties to show the utmost restraint and grasp the opportunity offered by this ceasefire.

France expresses its wholehearted solidarity with the Lebanese people, who continue to suffer the consequences of a war they did not choose and are paying the price daily of Hezbollah’s irresponsible, unacceptable decision to join in the conflict between Israel and Iran. France will go on supporting the Lebanese Government with a view to the restoration of its full sovereignty and in assisting the victims and displaced people.