Second French citizen killed in Lebanon: the Quai d’Orsay reacts, Jean-Noël Barrot on mission there

On Sunday 29 September, the French Foreign Ministry announced the death of a second French citizen as a result of Israeli strikes in Lebanon, as the country continues to suffer intensified bombardment. This tragic news comes just a few days after the death of the first French victim, an 87-year-old woman, whose building collapsed after an explosion near the city of Tyre.

‘We confirm the death of a second French citizen’, the ministry said, adding that more information would be released at a later date

Arrival of Jean-Noël Barrot in Lebanon

This announcement comes as Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs, arrived in Lebanon on Sunday evening. He thus becomes the first high-ranking diplomat to visit the country since tensions escalated, symbolising France’s involvement in supporting the Lebanese people at this time of crisis.

During his visit, Jean-Noël Barrot is due to meet the local authorities and hold talks with government officials to express France’s solidarity. According to the Ministry, he will in particular hand over emergency humanitarian aid to the Lebanese Minister of Health. Monday will be marked by several key meetings, including exchanges with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, General Joseph Aoun, Commander-in-Chief of the Army, and Nabih Berri, President of the National Assembly. The minister will also meet UN representatives on the ground to take stock of the situation of French nationals in the country.

A heavy human toll and an explosive situation

On Sunday, the Israeli army continued its operations against Hezbollah, resulting in the deaths of nearly 60 people, according to local sources. These strikes are part of a military escalation that has led to fears that the conflict will spread to the whole region. This upsurge in violence follows the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed two days ago along with several of his family members.

Jean-Noël Barrot’s presence in Beirut illustrates the close and historic ties between Paris and Lebanon. In recent years, President Emmanuel Macron has been personally involved in efforts to resolve the political crisis paralysing the country, appointing Jean-Yves Le Drian as his special envoy. Despite six visits by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, no favourable outcome has been found to unblock the dramatic political and economic situation in Lebanon.

A country caught between shock and uncertainty

The death of Hassan Nasrallah has left Lebanon in a state of shock, torn between shock and fear of an increasingly uncertain future. With the international community fearing a regional conflagration, the Quai d’Orsay reminded French nationals present in the country that they could leave ‘if they wished or were able to do so’. In this explosive context, France continues to call for restraint and a rapid de-escalation of hostilities.

The situation in Lebanon remains as fragile as ever, and the next few days will be decisive for the future of the country and the region.