French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Israel to "avoid any escalation, especially in Lebanon," following the assassination of Saleh Al-Arouri, deputy head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), who was targeted by a missile in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Tuesday evening.
Following a phone call between President Macron and Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, the Élysée Palace announced that Macron emphasized the importance of preventing any escalation, particularly on the Lebanese front. He noted that France would continue to relay this message to all parties directly or indirectly involved in the region.
In a statement, the French presidency reported that Macron had reaffirmed the call for a "permanent ceasefire" between Israel and Hamas, in cooperation with all regional and international partners. He also expressed "extreme concern about the very high number of civilian deaths and the very urgent humanitarian situation in Gaza."
Additionally, the French president underscored France's commitment to Israel's security, according to a statement from the Élysée.
Assassination of Saleh Al-Arouri
Al-Arouri was assassinated in an attack targeting a Palestinian movement office in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah, on Tuesday evening.
Hamas and Lebanese security sources suspected that Israel was behind the operation.
In reaction to the assassination, Hezbollah declared the assault "a serious attack on Lebanon," emphasizing that it "will never pass without a response and punishment."
Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas's political bureau, described Tuesday's operation as a "fully-fledged terrorist act," clarifying that Al-Arouri's assassination violates Lebanese sovereignty and extends Israeli hostilities against Palestinians.
Haniyeh stated that Hamas "will never be defeated," pointing out that such targeting only strengthens their "power, resilience, and unwavering determination."
