France sends top diplomat to Lebanon following Israeli strikes

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is set to visit Lebanon on Thursday, March 19, in a move aimed at demonstrating France’s political support amid the ongoing regional conflict.

According to France 24, citing a statement from the French Foreign Ministry, the visit comes shortly after the European Union urged Israel to halt its military strikes on Lebanese territory.

The ministry stated that Barrot’s trip “underscores France’s support and solidarity with the Lebanese people, who have been drawn into a war they did not choose.”

The current escalation involving Lebanon began on March 2, when fighters from Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with a series of strikes across Lebanon.

According to local authorities, the Israeli strikes have resulted in at least 968 deaths and have forced more than one million people to flee their homes, highlighting the scope of the humanitarian impact.

By Tamilla Hasanova