Macron calls for halt to arms deliveries to Israel

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel in a radio interview on Saturday.

It is a priority to return to a political solution and to stop arms deliveries for the fighting in the Gaza Strip, Macron stated on the radio station France Inter. France will not supply any weapons, he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized Macron's demand and described it as a "disgrace." "Israel will win with or without you," he said, according to his office.

Macron expressed regret that despite all diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, especially with Israel, nothing is progressing in the conflict.

"I think that we are not being heard, and I consider it a mistake, also for Israel's security," Macron emphasized. He said it is clearly visible in public opinion in France and, in an even more terrible way in the public opinion of the region. This, he said, fosters feelings of resentment and hatred.

France will continue to supply defence equipment to Israel, mainly for missile defence, the French television station BFMTV reported after the interview, citing the presidential palace.

On October 7, 2023, terrorists from the Palestinian militant organization Hamas and allied groups infiltrated Israel. They committed brutal massacres, which resulted in over 1,200 people being killed and around 250 people being kidnapped.

Since the major attack by Hamas, Israel has been conducting significant military operations in the Gaza Strip. According to the latest figures from the Hamas-run health authority there, which cannot be independently verified, more than 41,800 people have been killed.