Paris (TDI): French President Emmanuel Macron said he will support Lebanon as it prepares for talks with Israel while noting that Paris does not need to take part directly in the negotiations.
Speaking alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Paris on Tuesday, Macron said France’s role was not central adding that Lebanon should receive broad international support during the process.
He said stability in Lebanon is essential for wider regional security and warned that prolonged escalation could further worsen the humanitarian situation.
Salam said Lebanon needs about 500 million euros to deal with the humanitarian impact of recent conflict which has killed more than 2,450 people and injured over 7,600, according to official figures.
He added that public infrastructure, housing, and health services remain under severe strain due to continued displacement.
The two leaders discussed Lebanon’s position ahead of US-mediated talks expected later this week between Israeli and Lebanese officials.
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The United States is expected to host ambassador-level discussions on Thursday, though it remains unclear whether the focus will be extending the ceasefire or moving toward broader negotiations.
Macron said France is not acting as a mediator between the two sides, as officials stressed the process remains direct and bilateral. He also said humanitarian access must remain uninterrupted as aid agencies struggle to reach affected areas.
In Lebanon, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri warned that Israeli forces staying in the south would face resistance if they do not withdraw, raising tensions ahead of the talks.
Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot called Israel’s actions in Lebanon “totally unacceptable” and urged stronger European Union measures including a possible partial suspension of cooperation agreements. He said the EU must ensure accountability while supporting humanitarian relief efforts.
At the same time the Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel’s campaign aims to combine military and diplomatic pressure to disarm Hezbollah and secure its northern border communities, adding that operations will continue until security conditions improve.
Muhammad Usman Hashmi is a researcher in International Relations, focusing on climate diplomacy, global governance, and political economy in the Global South. He has contributed to policy dialogues with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the International Council on Human Rights, Peace and Politics. He is also associated with Rethinking Economics Islamabad, contributing to research on development and sustainability.
