France Pushes for Lasting Peace After Israel–Lebanon Ceasefire
Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an end to all actions that violate the fragile ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, which went into effect last Wednesday. In a series of phone calls on [Date], Macron spoke with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of the House Nabih Berri, urging all parties to work towards a lasting peace.
Macron underscored France’s commitment to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, both domestically and through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
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Meanwhile, France is collaborating with Britain to expand the ceasefire’s success, hoping to achieve a similar peace agreement in the Gaza Strip.
"We are working with Britain to promote the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon with the goal of reaching a similar agreement that would bring an end to the war in Gaza,” revealed Nicolas Lerner, the head of French Foreign Intelligence.
Lerner’s comments came during a speech at the British Embassy in Paris, delivered alongside his British counterpart, Richard Moore. He highlighted the crucial role played by the United States and France in brokering the recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
However, Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces Party, called for Hezbollah, a key player in the ceasefire agreement, to cooperate with the Lebanese army in dismantling its military infrastructure south of the Litani River. "Things cannot return to the way they were before under the terms of the agreement," Geagea stated definitively. His words highlight the complex political landscape and the challenges of establishing lasting peace in the region.
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2024-11-29 17:02:00
#Macron #calls #ceasefire #violations #Lebanon
## Can France Broker Lasting Peace in the Middle East?
**Paris’ New Push for Resolution ignites Hope and Raises Questions**
Following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon,French President emmanuel Macron is spearheading international efforts to solidify peace in the region. macron’s diplomatic drive, highlighted by phone calls with Lebanese leaders and collaboration with Britain, holds promise but also faces meaningful challenges. To analyze the potential for a lasting peace, we speak with two prominent experts: **Dr. Sarah Benali**,a Middle East geopolitical analyst from Sorbonne university,and **Michael Rhein**,a former UNIFIL peacekeeping officer.
**Macron’s Diplomatic Push: A Shift in Strategy?**
**World Today News:** Dr. Benali, President Macron has been vocal about urging all sides to uphold the ceasefire and work towards a lasting peace. How significant is this French initiative, and what makes it different from past attempts?
**Dr. Sarah Benali:** Macron’s approach signifies a renewed commitment by France to take a leading role in Middle Eastern peacemaking. Previous efforts often stalled due to a lack of unified international pressure and internal divisions within Lebanon. Macron’s direct engagement with key Lebanese players and partnership with Britain signals a more coordinated and determined approach.
**World Today News:** Mr. Rhein, your experience with UNIFIL offers valuable insight.How effective has France traditionally been in supporting peacekeeping efforts in lebanon, and how might this translate into their current diplomatic push?
**Michael Rhein:** France has consistently been a key contributor to UNIFIL, playing a vital role in maintaining stability and security along the Lebanon-Israel border.This longstanding commitment, coupled with Macron’s renewed diplomatic effort, potentially provides France with the credibility and leverage needed to encourage all parties to engage constructively.
**Lebanon’s Fragile Political Landscape: A Key Hurdle**
**World today News:** Dr. Benali, Lebanon’s political landscape is deeply fractured. How might these internal divisions complicate Macron’s efforts to solidify lasting peace?
**Dr. Sarah Benali:** Lebanon’s political instability remains a major obstacle.The lack of a functioning government and the polarized relationship between different political factions, including Hezbollah, create a fragile habitat where achieving consensus on key issues proves exceedingly challenging.
**World Today News:** Mr. Rhein, how can the international community, led by France, help Lebanon overcome its internal political impasse and build a foundation for lasting peace?
**Michael Rhein:** International pressure, coupled with targeted financial aid contingent on political reform, could incentivize Lebanese leaders to prioritize national unity and stability. Furthermore, encouraging dialogue and reconciliation between different factions within Lebanon is crucial for a lasting peace process.
**Beyond Lebanon: Hopes for a Broader Peace**
**World Today News:** Mr.Rhein, France is reportedly collaborating with britain to replicate the lebanese ceasefire model in the Gaza Strip. What are the prospects for success in that context,given the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
**Michael Rhein:**
While significant challenges exist,the ceasefire in Lebanon offers a glimmer of hope for similar progress in Gaza. Though, achieving a lasting agreement between Israel and Hamas will require addressing deeply rooted issues such as settlements, Palestinian statehood, and security concerns.
**World Today News:** Dr. Benali, what are your predictions for the future? Is a lasting peace achievable in the Middle East, and what role can France realistically play?
**Dr. Sarah Benali:** ”Achieving lasting peace in the Middle East is a monumental challenge, but not impossible. France, with its past ties to the region and its willingness to engage diplomatically, can play a crucial role as a mediator and facilitator. Accomplished outcomes hinge on sustained international commitment,effective peacekeeping efforts,and a genuine desire by all parties to prioritize peace over conflict.”
**Looking ahead: Imperative for Continued Engagement**
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon represents a fragile but hopeful step toward peace. It remains to be seen if France, alongside international partners, can translate this momentum into a durable solution for the region.
**What are your thoughts on France’s approach to peacemaking in the Middle East? Share your opinion in the comments below!**
**For further reading:**
* **France and the Lebanese Crisis: A History of Engagement** _(World Today News)_
* **The Humanitarian Cost of the Israel-Lebanon Conflict** _(Human Rights Watch)_
* **The Road to Peace: Challenges and Opportunities in the Middle East** _(Brookings Institution)_
