ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday stressed the urgent need to end ongoing Israeli “aggression” in Lebanon to restore peace in the entire region after Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the United States, its allies, and Iran.
PM Sharif received a telephone call from President Macron and discussed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Office said in a statement.
During their warm and cordial conversation, President Macron congratulated PM Sharif for Pakistan’s mediation efforts that had resulted in the ceasefire between Iran and the US and brought both sides to the negotiating table.
The French President conveyed his good wishes to Prime Minister Sharif for the success of the upcoming peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad this weekend.
PM Sharif thanked President Macron for supporting Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and reaffirmed that Islamabad would continue to strive for peace and stability in the region.
The two leaders agreed to remain in contact.
J'ai reçu cet après-midi un appel téléphonique chaleureux et constructif du Président Emmanuel Macron.
Le Président Macron a aimablement félicité le Pakistan pour ses efforts sincères visant à faciliter le cessez-le-feu entre l'Iran et les États-Unis, ainsi que pour avoir aidé à… https://t.co/EvI04vVY07
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 9, 2026
Israeli attacks on Lebanon spark global condemnation
Several countries and leaders have strongly condemned Israel’s large-scale air strikes on Lebanon just hours after a two-week ceasefire was announced between the United States and Iran on Wednesday.
Israeli forces launched one of their most extensive bombardments in recent months, targeting multiple areas across Lebanon, including Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, Mount Lebanon, Sidon, and southern villages.
According to Lebanon’s Civil Defence, at least 254 people were killed and 1,165 others wounded in the strikes.
Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli strikes on Lebanon
Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military strikes on Lebanon, warning that the escalation risks derailing diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability in the Middle East.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said Islamabad “condemns in the strongest terms” the continued Israeli attacks, which it noted have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
The statement emphasised that such actions not only endanger innocent lives but also undermine broader diplomatic initiatives to secure peace in the region. It described the strikes as a “blatant violation of international law and fundamental humanitarian principles”.
Calling for immediate international intervention, Pakistan urged the global community to take “urgent steps” to halt the aggression and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Reaffirming its position, Islamabad expressed unwavering solidarity with the people and government of Lebanon, reiterating support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its right to peace and stability.
Widespread international condemnation
Countries and international organisations swiftly condemned the attacks, warning of severe consequences for regional stability and international law.
Qatar denounced the strikes as a “dangerous escalation” and a “flagrant violation” of Lebanon’s sovereignty and international humanitarian law, calling on the global community to act decisively to halt the violence.
Egypt said the attacks reflected a “premeditated intent” to undermine diplomatic efforts and warned that they risk dragging the region into “total chaos”.
Türkiye also issued a strong condemnation, stating that the strikes were worsening the humanitarian crisis and urging immediate international action to protect civilians.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticised Israel’s actions as intolerable, calling for Lebanon’s inclusion in the ceasefire, a clear condemnation from the international community, and accountability for what he described as violations of international law.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed solidarity with Lebanon, describing the strikes as “unjustified and unacceptable”, and warned against the risk of a broader conflict that could jeopardise the ceasefire and regional stability.
The United Nations strongly condemned the attacks, with a spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighting the heavy civilian toll and urging all sides to return to diplomatic channels.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk described the scale of destruction as “horrific” and said it placed immense strain on already fragile peace efforts.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was “outraged” by the devastation in densely populated areas, stressing that any regional agreement must prioritise the protection of civilians.
