During a gathering of international donors focused on Lebanon held in Paris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin emphasized that Israel must be made to answer for any violations of international law. In a commitment to support the ongoing refugee crisis, Martin announced an additional €5 million pledge. “I seized the moment to address the ongoing situation,” he remarked, highlighting what he termed “systematic and incessant violations of international humanitarian law” carried out by Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas throughout these conflicts.
Martin pointedly declared, “Israel must face accountability for the bombardment of civilian populations in Lebanon,” stressing the urgent need for justice in the conflict. The conference featured contributions from international aid organizations that painted a dire picture of the systematic obliteration of healthcare facilities and educational institutions within Lebanon.
Moreover, Martin raised concerns about Israel’s escalating military operations in northern Gaza, urging the global community to ensure that political and media delegations gain access to the region to “illuminate the reality on the ground.” This call for transparency resonated amid rising tensions and reports of chaos.
As the conversation shifted to legislative matters, Martin expressed skepticism regarding the swift passage of the Occupied Territories Bill through the Dáil before upcoming elections, although he acknowledged progress was being made. He indicated that officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs are set to meet with Senator Francis Black’s legal advisors next week to potentially pave the way for a committee hearing before the election is called. “We are just weeks away from that moment,” he added, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
He referred to the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion from July regarding Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, noting it had opened a “narrow pathway” for the Government to formulate legislation aimed at prohibiting imports of goods from Israeli settlements. When questioned about the compatibility of the bill with the EU’s trade regulations, Martin defended the legal framework: “The drafting will specifically address those concerns.” He further asserted, “Based on the advice we’ve received, we believe there is a legitimate path for public policy positioning that will facilitate this effort.”
While acknowledging the complexity, he maintained, “Strengthening the bill will require amendments to ensure it holds up against legal challenges, as it currently requires substantial changes.” For the legislation to be effective, he emphasized the need for alignment with the Constitution as well as adherence to the EU’s exclusive trade competencies. Martin underscored that the advisory opinion from the ICJ imposed a duty on states to avoid actions that would bolster the illegal occupation of Palestinian land.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, shared the podium with French President Emmanuel Macron, underscoring the bond between France and Lebanon as historically significant. This partnership has positioned France to collaborate with the United States in seeking a ceasefire amidst an increasingly chaotic landscape marked by Israel’s intensive military campaign against Hezbollah, which began in September, leading to significant casualties and displacements.
As Paris hurriedly organized the donor conference to demonstrate its ongoing influence in Lebanon, attendance from key international figures remained sparse. Notably, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken opted for a pivotal tour across the Middle East, choosing to send a deputy to Paris instead. Similarly, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, whose nation has shown hesitance in engaging with Lebanon, was absent as well.
According to a guiding document presented at the conference, the agenda aims to reinforce the call for hostilities to cease, rooted in UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates disarming of factions in southern Lebanon, leaving security responsibilities solely to the Lebanese state. The initiative also seeks to amplify support for the 500,000 to 1 million individuals displaced by the recent conflict, with Lebanon requesting a staggering €230 million monthly to manage the crisis.
The conference aims to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), seen as essential to maintaining stability and upholding the provisions of Resolution 1701. The focus will be on ensuring timely payment of salaries, provision of food and medical supplies, and enhancing training and equipment for the LAF, with the ultimate goal of increasing troop numbers to deploy in the south.
“We must make progress and provide tangible responses,” asserted a French presidential official prior to the conference. While Prime Minister Mikati and critical ministers vital to relief and recovery efforts were in attendance, neither Israel nor Iran received invitations, with the former’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly criticizing the conference’s objectives.
During his address, Mikati reiterated the necessity of international cooperation to strengthen Lebanon’s military and rebuild critical infrastructure devastated by conflict. He announced the Lebanese government’s decision to recruit additional troops, aiming to deploy 8,000 soldiers to support a ceasefire agreement along with adherence to the UN Security Council Resolution.
President Emmanuel Macron announced a substantial commitment of €100 million in aid for Lebanon, following Germany’s pledge of €96 million. However, the concord between France and the U.S. remains tenuous, as each nation navigates its own strategic vision for the region.
Diplomats voiced uncertainty over the political outcomes of the conference amid discussions about the election of a president in Lebanon—a decision clouded by reluctance from various stakeholders. France has touted its direct relationships with Hezbollah and Iran as a strategic advantage over U.S. mediation attempts.
The delicate interplay between Paris and Washington is palpable. U.S. special envoy Amos Rothstein recently visited Beirut, where he proclaimed the U.S. is exploring solutions to achieve lasting peace while hinting that mere adherence to previous UN resolutions might fall short.
While France advocates for a ceasefire, it remains skeptical about fully eliminating Hezbollah, concerned about the potential loss of its influence in the region. In contrast, the U.S. appears to support a more aggressive stance, pressing Israel to expand its military operations. A growing concern exists among European officials regarding Washington’s reluctance to call for an immediate ceasefire, especially with the looming November 5th election.
“The real intentions behind this conference remain clouded,” commented a Western diplomat. “Anger simmers in France over U.S. assurances that support Israeli actions, yet the U.S. seems keen to maintain a respectful distance from French proposals.”
In summary, the discourse at the recent Paris conference underscores a widespread urgency to respond to escalating humanitarian crises in Lebanon while navigating complex international relations that influence the ongoing conflict and its consequences.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
