British foreign minister calls for end to Israeli military action in Lebanon 

PARIS, Jun 1: The Israeli military's escalation of activities in Lebanon has led to civilians being killed and displaced, destroyed infrastructure and eroded space for diplomacy and it must end, British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper said on Sunday.

"All sides must respect the ceasefire and engage with negotiations in good faith," Cooper said in a post on X, adding that Hezbollah must also end its attacks on Israel.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said that "nothing justifies the major escalation under way in south Lebanon" where Israeli forces have launched a new offensive against Hezbollah.

In a message on X after speaking with regional leaders, Macron said it was "essential" for an agreement to be reached quickly between the United States and Iran.

Macron held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed, and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

At France's request, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Monday  after the Israeli army, which is expanding its operations in Lebanon, seized the medieval Beaufort castle in the country's south.

"France will continue to support the Lebanese authorities in their efforts to restore the sovereignty of the state and the country's territorial integrity," Macron wrote.

Regional stability "must begin with Lebanon, where it is urgent that all weapons fall silent, for good."    �"AGENCIES