黑料社区

Macron says Syria鈥檚 Assad cannot be an agent of Iran while acting against security of Israel and stability of Lebanon

In an exclusive interview with Annahar and Randa Takieddine (R), French President Emmanuel Macron talks about recent events in Syria. (Randa Takieddine for Annahar)
In an exclusive interview with Annahar and Randa Takieddine (R), French President Emmanuel Macron talks about recent events in Syria. (Randa Takieddine for Annahar)
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Updated 05 December 2024

Macron says Syria鈥檚 Assad cannot be an agent of Iran while acting against security of Israel and stability of Lebanon

In an exclusive interview with Annahar and Randa Takieddine (R), French President Emmanuel Macron talks about events in Syria.
  • 鈥淲e and 黑料社区 are convinced that a ceasefire is needed in Gaza that enables the liberation of the hostages鈥nd protects the people of Gaza鈥: Macron

In an with Annahar and Randa Takieddine, French President Emmanuel Macron said recent events show that Syria鈥檚 future requires more than normalization with Syrian President Bashar Assad, whom he said cannot be an agent of Iran and act against the security of Israel and the stability of Lebanon.

You are making a state visit to 黑料社区. What are your expectations in bilateral terms, having recently received a Saudi business delegation, the minister of investment, and the director of Saudi Aramco?

This will be my third visit to 黑料社区. The prime minister and crown prince has聽also visited Paris several times, and we are in regular contact. This state visit is particularly important, however, as it will enhance our relations to a strategic partnership. It comes at a particular time in which 黑料社区 is swiftly transforming, opening up and diversifying its economy. For France, this will be an opportunity to show our support for Saudi Vision 2030 and the international events Riyadh will be hosting.

I will also be visiting AlUla, which is the jewel of our cultural cooperation. This visit also comes at a critical time of multiple regional and international crises. It will therefore be an opportunity to take initiatives together to foster peace, security and international prosperity. Our two countries have a major role in this respect and can also strengthen ties between this part of the world and Europe, in the spirit of the ambition shown by the recent EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.

黑料社区 has an important role in the region. What are your expectations for its involvement in Lebanon and the region? If there is a ceasefire, what role do you think you and 黑料社区 can play in Lebanon and Gaza?

Strengthening our political dialogue is one of our goals. France and 黑料社区 share the same commitment to regional security and stability and will work together to find lasting political solutions to crises. That will be at the heart of our discussions with the crown prince. Our efforts to achieve a de-escalation in regional conflicts are aligned, particularly in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen and Sudan.

We and 黑料社区 are both convinced that a ceasefire is needed in Gaza that enables the liberation of the hostages, including our two nationals, and of course protects the people of Gaza who are in an unacceptable situation of distress, while allowing humanitarian aid to be delivered. We have been calling for this ceasefire since November, and we have been waiting too long. It must come now, it must be permanent, and it must re-open the prospect of a two-state solution. I welcome the work by 黑料社区 and its Arab partners in defining an Arab vision for peace, updating the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 and sketching out a pathway out of the crisis. A credible framework needs to be worked on jointly to achieve a Palestinian state and guarantee Israel鈥檚 security. The UN Security Council and everyone who has a role to play must shoulder their responsibilities.

We will not stop calling for the ceasefire in Lebanon. It is essential for all parties 鈥 and this goes for both Hezbollah and Israel 鈥 to fulfill their obligations. The international community must continue its efforts to support the Lebanese Armed Forces, which are essential to this agreement and to the restoration of Lebanon鈥檚 sovereignty, in line with the conference we held in Paris on Oct. 24 this year.

黑料社区 contributes to Lebanon鈥檚 stability and has a role to play in bringing an end to the political crisis. At this crucial time for Lebanon鈥檚 future, it is important for us to discuss the reconstruction of the country, as well as the political prospects of the upcoming Jan. 9 session of the Lebanese Parliament with the aim of electing a president. All Lebanese actors must contribute to the solution. Hezbollah must facilitate consensus and foster Lebanese unity.

When will France recognize the Palestinian state?

It is urgent to preserve the two-state solution and the viability of a Palestinian state in the context of increased settlement-building, the measures taken against UNRWA and growing pro-annexation discourse. It is absolutely necessary to offer Palestinians real hope of a better life in an independent state and thus cut short any source of legitimacy for Hamas, which has nothing to offer but violence and destruction. The two peoples, Israelis and Palestinians, must be offered a response to their legitimate aspirations, otherwise the region cannot hope for lasting stability.

The recognition of the Palestinian state must contribute to speeding up the two-state solution, and France is ready. In that spirit, we supported Palestine鈥檚 accession to the UN as a fully-fledged member. We have voted for all UN General Assembly resolutions in this regard. For it to happen, recognition must take place in a context that enables a lasting end to the crisis. Alongside 黑料社区, we will co-chair a conference to give renewed political momentum to the two-state solution and will work on this in Paris.

Will resuming dialogue with Bashar Assad enable the return of Syrian refugees in Lebanon to Syria and control of the Syria-Lebanon border to prevent Iran from rearming Hezbollah?

Recent events have clearly shown that Syria鈥檚 future needs far more than normalization with Bashar Assad. The Syrian people need unity and hope. Dialogue with the regime is not an end in itself. The fighting in recent months has pushed many refugees, along with a million displaced Lebanese people, onto the roads toward Syria, but the question remains fully open. The Syrian regime must create an environment that enables the safe return of Syrians to their country. I have discussed this recently with my European and Arab counterparts. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees is talking about it with the Syrian regime, which must provide answers. Assad cannot be Iran鈥檚 agent and undermine Israel鈥檚 security and Lebanon鈥檚 stability.

What role will France play during this ceasefire? Do you think displaced persons will be able to return to the bombarded southern villages? What role can 黑料社区 play in the implementation of this ceasefire?

France has always stood with Lebanon and the Lebanese people and does so, once again, at this critical moment. The ceasefire agreement follows months of joint diplomatic efforts with the US, and France is contributing to the monitoring mechanism. On Oct. 24, we laid the groundwork for its implementation by holding a conference that raised 鈧1 billion ($1.05 billion) for Lebanon, including 鈧800 million for displaced persons and 鈧200 million for the Lebanese Armed Forces. This effort needs to continue, and France has already decided to deploy additional engineering and mine clearance assets to support the Lebanese army. I will send our army and foreign ministers to Lebanon very soon to work on all these points. Lebanon鈥檚 reconstruction will of course be another one of our priorities and will require a sustained international effort.

Will you continue talking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu despite France鈥檚 recognition of the International Criminal Court鈥檚 decisions? Could France鈥檚 independent judiciary itself execute the arrest warrant?

We have always supported international justice. France will fulfill its obligations under international law, in this case and all others. The judiciary鈥檚 decisions are totally independent.

France talks to everyone, and that is what enables it to play a role in the region. We must be clear-sighted: The region鈥檚 crises cannot be resolved without dialogue with the Israeli authorities.


Israel army says two soldiers killed in southern Gaza on Sunday

Israel army says two soldiers killed in southern Gaza on Sunday
Updated 5 sec ago

Israel army says two soldiers killed in southern Gaza on Sunday

Israel army says two soldiers killed in southern Gaza on Sunday
  • First Israeli fatalities since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10
  • Israeli military said Sunday it had resumed enforcing a ceasefire in Gaza

JERUSALEM: The Israeli military said two soldiers were killed in combat in southern Gaza on Sunday, as it carried out a series of strikes in the area, accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire.
Major Yaniv Kula, 26, and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, 21, 鈥渇ell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip,鈥 the military said, the first Israeli fatalities since the ceasefire took effect on October 10.
The Israeli military said Sunday it had resumed enforcing a ceasefire in Gaza.
鈥淚n accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and following a series of significant strikes in response to Hamas鈥 violations, the IDF has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire,鈥 the military said in a statement.
鈥淭he IDF will continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond firmly to any violation of it.鈥


Gaza civil defense says at least 33 killed in Israeli strikes Sunday

Gaza civil defense says at least 33 killed in Israeli strikes Sunday
Updated 20 min ago

Gaza civil defense says at least 33 killed in Israeli strikes Sunday

Gaza civil defense says at least 33 killed in Israeli strikes Sunday
  • Fatalities were confirmed by Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital and Al-Awda hospital
  • Israel and Hamas traded blame for violating a ceasefire

GAZA CITY: Gaza鈥檚 civil defense agency said a series of Israeli air strikes on Sunday killed at least 33 people across the territory, as Israel and Hamas traded blame for violating a ceasefire.
Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the agency, which operates as a rescue service under Hamas authority, said six of the victims were killed when an Israeli strike targeted a 鈥済roup of civilians鈥 in Zuwaida town in central Gaza.
Six other people, including children, were killed and 13 others injured in two separate strikes near Nuseirat in central Gaza, Bassal said.
The fatalities were confirmed by Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital and Al-Awda hospital.
A woman and two children were killed when a drone strike hit a tent housing displaced people near Asdaa City, north of Khan Yunis.
Two people, including a journalist, were killed and several others injured in an Israeli strike in the western part of Zuwaida town in central Gaza.
In another attack, two people were killed and several injured when an Israeli strike hit a tent in the Al-Ahli Club area in Nuseirat, central Gaza, Bassal said.
Two more people were killed in an Israeli air strike in eastern Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, he added.
The Israeli military told AFP it was checking reports of casualties.
Later on Sunday, the Israeli military said it had launched fresh strikes on Hamas targets in southern Gaza.
Israel has also closed its crossing points into Gaza to aid convoys, a security official told AFP on Sunday, accusing Hamas of breaking a truce.
鈥淭he transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip has been halted until further notice, following Hamas鈥檚 blatant violation of the agreement,鈥 the official said.


Israeli forces blow up Palestinian apartment in Tubas

Israeli forces blow up Palestinian apartment in Tubas
Updated 19 October 2025

Israeli forces blow up Palestinian apartment in Tubas

Israeli forces blow up Palestinian apartment in Tubas
  • Parts of the main square in Tubas bulldozed, private properties damaged and several homes converted into Israeli military posts

LONDON: Israeli forces demolished a residential apartment in the northern occupied West Bank city of Tubas as troops on Sunday launched a large-scale raid for a second consecutive day.

Forces stormed an apartment building, forcibly removed its residents, and planted explosives before detonating them, resulting in an explosion that was heard across the city, according to the Wafa news agency.

Israeli forces bulldozed parts of the main square in Tubas, damaged private properties, and converted several homes into military posts after forcing residents to evacuate. Forces also blocked the southern entrance to Tubas with dirt mounds, detaining several Palestinians for field interrogations, Wafa added.

Tubas and the northern Jordan Valley have faced frequent Israeli military incursions recently, leading to home demolitions, raids, and detentions. Israel has maintained a military occupation of the West Bank since June 1967, which is considered illegal under international law.

Additionally, Israel has pursued a policy of expanding settlements in the territory, which observers view as a significant obstacle to resolving the conflict and establishing a Palestinian state.


Palestinian prisoner from Jenin refugee camp dies in Israeli detention

Palestinian prisoner from Jenin refugee camp dies in Israeli detention
Updated 19 October 2025

Palestinian prisoner from Jenin refugee camp dies in Israeli detention

Palestinian prisoner from Jenin refugee camp dies in Israeli detention
  • Israeli forces arrested Mahmoud Talal Abdullah, 49, on Feb. 1
  • His health deteriorated following arrest, eventually confirmed he had cancer, says prisoners鈥 rights group

LONDON: A Palestinian detainee died at Israel鈥檚 Assaf Harofeh Hospital on Sunday, the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, and the Palestinian Prisoner鈥檚 Society announced.

Israeli forces had arrested Mahmoud Talal Abdullah, 49, on Feb. 1 in the Jenin refugee camp, which has been the site of Israeli military operations since January.

The PPS said that Abdullah鈥檚 health had severely deteriorated following his arrest, and it was eventually confirmed that he had cancer. He was transferred from Megiddo Prison to Gilboa Prison and later to the Ramla Prison clinic.

Israeli authorities kept him in detention, despite confirming his advanced-stage cancer, and he died the day after being transferred to Assaf Harofeh Hospital, the PPS added.

Abdullah had spent two years in Israeli prisons during the Al-Aqsa Intifada, which lasted from 2000 to 2005.

The PPS said that Abdullah鈥檚 death added to the 鈥渟eries of crimes carried out by the Israeli occupation against Palestinian detainees as part of its ongoing genocidal war,鈥 reported the Palestine News Agency.

His death raised to 79 the number of known prisoners and detainees who have died since the Israeli action in Gaza began in 2023.


Yemen鈥檚 Houthis detain 20 UN employees and confiscate equipment

Yemen鈥檚 Houthis detain 20 UN employees and confiscate equipment
Updated 19 October 2025

Yemen鈥檚 Houthis detain 20 UN employees and confiscate equipment

Yemen鈥檚 Houthis detain 20 UN employees and confiscate equipment
  • Those detained Sunday include five Yemenis and 15 international staff
  • The militants released another 11 UN staffers after questioning

CAIRO: Iranian-backed Houthi militants detained two dozen UN employees Sunday, a day after they raided another UN facility in the capital Sanaa, a UN official said.
Jean Alam, a spokesman for the UN resident coordinator for Yemen, told The Associated Press that the UN staffers were detained inside the facility in Sanaa鈥檚 southwestern neighborhood of Hada.
He said those detained Sunday include five Yemenis and 15 international staff. He said the militants released another 11 UN staffers after questioning.
He said the UN was contact with the Houthis and other parties to 鈥渢o resolve this serious situation as swiftly as possible, end the detention of all personnel, and restore full control over its facilities in Sanaa.鈥
A second UN official, speaking spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the raid, said the militants confiscated all communications equipment from the facility, including phones, servers and computers.
The official said the detained employees belong to multiple UN agencies including the World Food Programme, UNICEF and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The Houthis have launched a long-running crackdown against the UN and other international organizations working in militant-held areas in Yemen including Sanaa, the coastal city of Hodeida and the militant stronghold in Sadaa province in northern Yemen.
Dozens of people, including over 50 UN staffers, have been detained so far. A World Food Programme worker died in detention earlier this year in Sadaa.
The militants have repeatedly alleged without evidence that the detained UN staffers and those working with other international groups and foreign embassies were spies. The UN fiercely denied the accusations.
The crackdown forced the UN to suspend its operations in Saada province in northern Yemen following the detention of eight staffers in January. The UN also relocated its top humanitarian coordinator in Yemen from Sanaa to the coastal city of Aden, which serves as seat for the internationally recognized government.