Israeli offensive in Lebanon sparks global outrage

PARIS: Several European and Arab countries on Sunday denounced Israel’s latest military escalation in Lebanon, with France seeking an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council after President Emmanuel Macron held consultations with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

In a message posted on X after those talks, Macron said the developments in southern Lebanon could not be justified and urged swift diplomatic engagement. He said France would continue backing Lebanon’s authorities in efforts to restore state sovereignty and territorial integrity, while calling for an end to the fighting.

Macron said regional stability had to begin with Lebanon and stressed that weapons should fall silent there permanently. He also said a ceasefire should be a priority between the United States and Iran, and called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened immediately without conditions and in line with international law.

He added that discussions should continue to secure what he described as a comprehensive and durable agreement on broader issues, including the nuclear and ballistic programmes and regional stability. Macron also said France was ready to help restore maritime traffic through an independent multinational mission established with the United Kingdom.

France, Germany voice concern

"Nothing justifies the major escalation under way in south Lebanon," Macron said.

According to the French president, the issue was discussed in talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Germany also expressed alarm over the situation. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the Israeli military’s advance deeper into southern Lebanon was a matter of serious concern and urged all parties to stop hostilities. In a statement, he warned that any further escalation would worsen an already tense situation and could trigger new displacement inside Lebanon.

Qatar and Jordan condemn attacks

Qatar condemned what it described as persistent Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including the widening of the occupation army’s ground incursion and the targeting of civilians. In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the actions a dangerous escalation and said they amounted to a serious violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty as well as an open breach of international humanitarian rules.

Doha also urged the international community to fulfil its responsibilities by pressing Israeli authorities to stop repeated attacks on Lebanon, respect international law and charters, and implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 in full.

Jordan likewise condemned the continuing Israeli aggression against Lebanon and called on the international community to take a firm stance that would compel Israel to halt its violations. In a statement, Jordan’s foreign ministry also reaffirmed support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to assert sovereignty across all its territory.

Egypt calls escalation a violation of international law

Egypt strongly condemned the Israeli military escalation and described the expansion of Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon as a dangerous breach of Lebanese sovereignty. In a statement issued on Sunday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said the latest developments represented blatant aggression and showed an Israeli intention to impose a new military reality on the ground.

The ministry said those actions were taking place in grave violation of international law, the UN Charter and established international norms. Egypt also reiterated its complete rejection of any violation of Lebanese territory and reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s unity, state institutions and territorial integrity.

Cairo called for the immediate and full withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territory and for the complete implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 without selectivity. It said this was necessary to allow Lebanese state institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces, to exercise exclusive sovereignty over the entire country.