France's Macron calls to stop weapon delivery to Israel for use in Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged a halt to arms deliveries to Israel, which has been criticized over the conduct of its retaliatory operation in Gaza.

“I think that today, the priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza,” Macron told broadcaster France Inter.

Macron reiterated his concern over the conflict in Gaza that is continuing despite repeated calls for a ceasefire.

"I think we are not being heard," he said, adding that the conflict was leading to "hatred." Macron also said avoiding an escalation in Lebanon was a "priority." "Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza," he added.

The United States provides approximately $3 billion in weapons to Israel annually, as per the media reports.

Similarly, in September, the United Kingdom suspended some arms exports to Israel, citing the risk of their use in serious breaches of international humanitarian law.

The conflict, which began following a Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, has now drawn in neighboring Lebanon, raising concerns of a broader regional crisis.

Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza has so far claimed the lives of at least 41,825 people, primarily civilians.