France urges immediate cessation of Israeli strikes on Lebanon

ISTANBUL

France on Saturday expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Lebanon, urging Israel to stop its airstrikes.

"France calls for an immediate cessation of Israeli strikes in Lebanon and condemns any indiscriminate action against civilians. France is opposed to any ground operation in Lebanon," the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement after a call between Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

Paris also called on Hezbollah and Iran to refrain from any action likely to lead to “further destabilization and a regional conflagration.”

The security and protection of civilians, in Lebanon as in Israel, must be guaranteed, the statement said.

The killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel has sparked fears of a widening war in the Middle East.​​​​​​​