21h07
German Chancellor Merz urges Netanyahu to end fighting in Lebanon and start peace talks
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Monday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt military operations in southern Lebanon and start direct negotiations with Beirut, a government spokesman said.
During the phone call, Friedrich Merz also expressed his “deep concern” about the situation in the Palestinian Territories, emphasizing that no “partial de facto annexation” of the West Bank should be considered, the same source said.
20h10
Bank of France maintains GDP growth up to 0.3% in first quarter despite Middle East war
The Bank of France estimates that the conflict in the Middle East will have only a “limited” effect on economic activity in France in the first quarter. The institution thus maintains its GDP growth forecast, which could reach “up to 0.3%”.
However, it anticipates a slowdown in April, according to its monthly survey of 8,500 business leaders. While 11% of industrialists increased their selling prices in March, 23% are considering doing so in April, a sign of persistent cost pressures.
19h58
UN calls for respect for freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Monday to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, urging all parties to respect international law. His spokesman Stephane Dujarric also warned about the 20,000 stranded sailors and the risks to the global economy, while calling for a resumption of negotiations and an end to ceasefire violations.
This appeal comes after discussions between the U.S. and Iran failed and Donald Trump’s decision to impose a naval blockade of Iranian ports, with threats against any military ship seeking to breach it.
