France calls for immediate cessation of Israeli strikes in Lebanon

France calls for an immediate cessation of Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said on Saturday in a press release, reported Xinhua.

The ministry also condemns any indiscriminate action against civilians in Lebanon.

"France is opposed to any ground operation in Lebanon," the ministry affirmed.

France calls on other actors, particularly Hezbollah and Iran, to refrain from any action likely to lead to further destabilization and a regional conflagration, said the ministry.

"The security and protection of civilians in Lebanon and Israel must be guaranteed," it added.

Israel has intensified its airstrikes across Lebanon since Monday, marking the most extensive Israeli military action in the country since 2006. Lebanon's health ministry reported nearly 700 deaths due to the strikes this week.