French President Emmanuel Macron discussed developments on the Palestinian scene and the existing tension on the Israeli-Lebanese border, with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and Bahrain.

This came in separate phone calls Macron made with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, according to a statement by the French Presidency, the Elysee.

The statement stated that during their telephone discussions, the leaders expressed “deep concern” about the escalation of tension on the “Blue Line” separating the Israeli and Lebanese borders.

The leaders called on the parties to bear responsibility and exercise restraint to prevent the expansion of tension in the region.

Macron, in turn, condemned the Israeli attacks that targeted United Nations schools and the Al-Maghazi camp for displaced people in the Gaza Strip, stressing the need for Israel to adhere to international law.

He expected the release of prisoners and the announcement "as soon as possible and without delay" of a ceasefire in the region, taking into account the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In his phone calls with Arab leaders, the French President also discussed developments in the situation in the West Bank, expressing his concern about the deteriorating situation there.

He renewed France's opposition to all new settlement measures taken by Israel, which undermine the prospects for peace, and welcomed European sanctions regarding "these steps that conflict with international law."

In addition, Macron expressed his support for the efforts of the ministerial committee assigned by the Arab-Islamic Summit to achieve peace in the region, and the efforts of US President Joe Biden to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.

He stressed France's determination to continue working with its partners for a peace-based solution and a two-state solution.

Lebanese and Palestinian factions in Lebanon, most notably Hezbollah, exchange daily bombardments with the Israeli army across the dividing “Blue Line,” leaving hundreds dead and wounded, most of them on the Lebanese side.