Qatar supports Macron’s call to stop arms supplies to Israel

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has expressed approval of French President Emmanuel Macron’s request to halt weapon supplies to Israel. 

“Macron’s call is an important and appreciated step towards stopping the war and aligns with UN resolutions and the International Court of Justice,” the ministry stated. 

“We renew our call for the international community to take firm actions to compel Israel to cease its aggression against Gaza and Lebanon,” it continued.

Macron initially called for a halt to arms shipments to Israel for use in Gaza before his office changed their mind and affirmed continuing arm shipments. 

The u-turn followd after the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reprimanded Macron for calling for a arms embargo. 

Speaking to French broadcaster France Inter on Saturday, Macron said finding a “political solution” to Israel’s nearly year-long war on Gaza is a “priority” and that an arms embargo should be a key part of these efforts.

He added that Paris has already stopped its arms deliveries to Israel. However, France will continue to provide what it called defensive equipment to Israel, primarily for missile defense, according to a report from French television station BFMTV, citing the presidential palace after the interview