Paris: France said on Wednesday that Israel must withdraw from Lebanese territory and called on all parties to respect the ceasefire reached earlier this month. 'Israel must withdraw from Lebanese territory,' Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin stated on US social media company X. She emphasized France's objective to support Lebanon in achieving peace and lasting stability.

According to Anadolu Agency, Minister Vautrin urged all parties to honor the ceasefire and preserve Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. She also highlighted the necessity for the disarmament of Hezbollah, suggesting that it should be pursued by the Lebanese with international community support. Furthermore, Vautrin condemned attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), labeling them as unjustifiable.

Israel maintains a 'buffer zone' in southern Lebanon, where operations commenced in early March amidst Hezbollah's retaliation related to the Iran war. The US-mediated ceasefire, which began on April 17, has been extended until mid-May.