This comes after the UN peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, warned of "very serious risks" to its troops after two members were hurt in explosions near the Palestinian-Lebanese border, the second such attack in two days.
In a joint statement, the three countries expressed outrage over the injuries to peacekeepers in Naqoura. They said the attacks were a serious violation of Israel’s obligations under international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The statement called for peacekeepers' protection and urged for an immediate ceasefire.
France, which has 700 troops in UNIFIL, demanded an explanation from Israel. Italy and Ireland also condemned the attacks, with Ireland’s Foreign Minister calling the situation “unacceptable.”
Calls to Halt Arms Sales
French President Emmanuel Macron suggested stopping arms sales to Israel as a way to help end the violence. At a summit in Cyprus, Macron condemned the attacks on UN peacekeepers and stressed that stopping the flow of weapons could be the key to ending the conflict.
JUST IN: 🇫🇷🇮🇱 French President Macron slams Israel.
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) October 11, 2024
"It is unacceptable to see the UNIFIL troops deliberately targeted by the Israeli forces, we condemn this move, we do not tolerate and will not tolerate this to happen again." pic.twitter.com/L3FZRgjHwS
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also called for an end to arms sales to Israel, condemning the attacks on UNIFIL. Spain has 650 peacekeepers in Lebanon, and none were harmed in the incident.
Drones From Lebanon Strike Building in Herzliya, Causing Power Outage and Panic
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the attacks on peacekeepers "unacceptable" as Italian troops were also targeted. Italy has over 1,000 troops in Lebanon as part of the UNIFIL mission.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden urged Israel to stop firing at UN peacekeepers in Lebanon amid growing international condemnation. Biden confirmed his stance when asked by reporters at the White House.
EU Leaders Call for Ceasefire
Leaders from nine European Union countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and Greece, called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. They expressed concern over the growing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and stressed the need for humanitarian aid to be sent to Lebanon.