Macron denounces Israel's airstrikes targeting Lebanon

PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday condemned Israel's airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut earlier in the day, calling them "unacceptable" and a "violation of the ceasefire agreement."

"These strikes represent unilateral actions that break a prior commitment," Macron said during a joint press briefing with visiting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Paris. He was referring to the four-month truce shattered by Friday's bombardment - Israel's first offensive on Beirut since the ceasefire took effect.

The Israeli military stated the strikes were in response to rocket attacks launched from Lebanese territory toward Israel. The exchange marks a renewed spike in tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border amid ongoing regional instability.

Reaffirming France's solidarity with Lebanon, Macron voiced strong support for President Aoun, who took office in January. He also noted that international partners are advancing preliminary efforts to provide "initial fiscal support for Lebanon's rebuilding process," though specific details have yet to be disclosed.