French FM: Israeli security can’t be guaranteed by force alone, ceasefire still on table

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot (2nd L) visits the Nova festival memorial near Kibbutz Reim, in a ceremony marking the first anniversary of Hamas's October terror onslaught, October 7, 2024. (Ahmad Gharabli / AFP)
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot (2nd L) visits the Nova festival memorial near Kibbutz Reim, in a ceremony marking the first anniversary of Hamas's October terror onslaught, October 7, 2024. (Ahmad Gharabli / AFP)

The French-US proposal for a ceasefire to end fighting in Lebanon remains on the table, with parties continuing to work on it, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot says.

He says Israel’s security cannot be guaranteed with military force alone and will require a diplomatic solution.

“Military success cannot be a substitute for a political perspective,” Barrot tells reporters during a visit to Israel.

“To bring the hostages home to their loved ones, to allow the displaced to return home in the north, after a year of war, the time for diplomacy has come.”

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