French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Eastern Mediterranean, confirming that French military bases in the Middle East have been struck amid the region's rapidly escalating conflict. In a nationally televised address, Mr. Macron also revealed that a French frigate is currently en route to Cyprus following recent drone attacks on the island. He emphasized active military coordination with Greece and other regional allies to deter further aggression. "It is my responsibility to act," Mr. Macron stated, pledging unwavering support for the French armed forces. Addressing the widening war, the president condemned Hezbollah's strikes on Israel as a "major mistake." However, as Israeli forces prepare for a broader ground offensive, he issued a stern warning: "I call on Israel to respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity." With the security situation deteriorating rapidly, Mr. Macron announced the massive repatriation of some of the 400,000 French citizens currently residing in the Middle East. The first wave of emergency evacuation flights landed in Paris on Tuesday evening. Domestic security protocols within France have also been elevated. Mr. Macron confirmed that French forces have already shot down hostile drones to defend the airspace of allied nations, honoring defense pacts with Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Iraq. To shield global trade from further economic shocks, he also launched new naval initiatives to protect commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal. Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr