French President Macron urges halt to arms deliveries to Israel for Gaza attacks
Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday called for a suspension of arms deliveries to Israel amid its ongoing military operation in Gaza, emphasising the need for a political solution. In an interview with France Inter, Macron stated that "the priority is that we return to a political solution and stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza." He clarified that France is not providing arms to Israel.
The United States supplies approximately $3 billion in military aid to Israel annually. In May, the US State Department acknowledged it was "reasonable to assess" that Israeli forces used these arms in ways that could violate humanitarian law but did not block further shipments. Similarly, the United Kingdom suspended some arms exports to Israel in September, citing potential violations of international humanitarian law.
Macron reiterated his concern that ongoing hostilities, which have now affected neighboring Lebanon, could exacerbate regional instability. He stressed that preventing an escalation in Lebanon is crucial, as "Lebanon cannot become a new Gaza."
The attacks on Gaza have already resulted in significant casualties. Israel's offensive on Gaza has led to over 41,825 deaths, mostly civilians, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
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Akhilesh questions removal of NSG cover, accuses BJP govt of 'playing' with his security
Lucknow (PTI): Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday accused the BJP government of "playing" with his security and sought an explanation for the withdrawal of the National Security Guard (NSG) cover provided to him.
In a statement issued from the SP headquarters here, the former chief minister said the government must clarify the reasons cited in his security cover review that led to the withdrawal.
"The BJP government is playing with my security. I had NSG security, but it was withdrawn. The government should have disclosed why," Yadav said, alleging that security decisions were being politicised.
Yadav also referred to the withdrawal of SPG protection for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that the BJP government had earlier removed his cover and made him vacate his official residence.
Speaking to reporters during his day-long visit to Jhansi, Yadav accused the BJP of "insulting everyone", including a Shankaracharya and students at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj.
"They pulled the 'shikha' (tuft of hair) of our 'batuks' and humiliated them. The chief minister is constantly insulting Shankaracharya. He is demanding certificates from him," Yadav said, adding that Yogi Adityanath should apologise for his actions
A "true yogi" empathises with people's suffering, he said, and alleged that the government instead celebrates bulldozing houses. He further claimed that the chief minister does not respect the Constitution and law, and cited cases mentioned in Adityanath's 2017 election affidavit to attack him.
"No other chief minister has faced as many cases as the current chief minister," the SP chief said in the statement.
