French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a cessation of arms shipments to Israel, which has been criticized for its attacks on Gaza. Macron also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not taking France’s stance into account. In a notable statement today, Macron urged a halt to arms shipments to Israel amid retaliatory operations in Gaza.

Speaking to France Inter, Macron said, “I believe that our priority today should be to return to a political solution and cease arms shipments to fight in Gaza.” He added that France does not send arms to Israel. Macron emphasized that Israel must defend itself in accordance with international and humanitarian law.

“We do not combat terrorism by sacrificing civilian populations,” Macron stated, criticizing Netanyahu for disregarding France’s stance. “Our voice is not being heard, and that is a mistake; it is a mistake for the future security of Israel,” he said. Evaluating Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, Macron added, “Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza.”