FLASH
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French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a freeze on arms shipments to Israel that have been critical to Israel's retaliatory operation in Gaza against Hamas, the Palestinian group designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
"I think that today the priority is for us to return to a political solution, for us to stop sending weapons for the war in Gaza," Macron told broadcaster France Inter.
"France is not sending weapons," he added.
France is not a major arms supplier to Israel, and last year military equipment shipments totaled up to $33 million, according to the French Defense Ministry's annual arms export report. The United States, meanwhile, had sent weapons to Israel last year worth $3 billion.
In September, Britain announced the suspension of arms exports to Israel, citing "real risks" that those weapons could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Macron reiterated his concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza despite repeated calls for the parties to reach a ceasefire agreement.
"I think we are not being heard. I think it's a mistake, including for Israel's security," he said, adding that the conflict is leading to "hate."
He also spoke about the escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah - the militant group and political party that controls most of southern Lebanon - in Lebanon. He said that this escalation is a "priority".
"Lebanon cannot become the new Gaza," he said.
Monday, October 7, marks the one-year anniversary of the unprecedented attack carried out by Hamas in Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. Palestinian radicals killed nearly 1,200 people and kidnapped nearly 250 others.
As a result of the Israeli offensive, nearly 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza./ REL
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