The Latest Breaking News from Stephane Sejourne

To confront the challenges, von der Leyen handed French candidate Stephane Sejourne a powerful executive vice president role overseeing industrial strategy, and also named a new commissioner for defence to help Europe rearm.

French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed Stephane Sejourne, the country's outgoing foreign minister, to replace Thierry Breton as its European commissioner, after Breton announced he would be quitting, claiming EU chief Ursula von der Leyen had asked Paris to withdraw his candidacy.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said Thursday from Beirut that a cease-fire in Gaza was "necessary" for peace in the region including Lebanon, as talks resumed in Qatar aiming to end the conflict.

President Emmanuel Macron's decision to plunge his country into a snap election was taken behind closed doors with a few advisors after a worse-than-expected drubbing in European elections, sources close to him say.

Spain, Ireland and Norway on Tuesday officially recognised the State of Palestine, sparking a furious response from Israel.

France's top diplomat on Sunday urged de-escalation between Israel and the Hezbollah movement during his second visit to Lebanon since cross-border tensions flared alongside the Gaza war.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that world donors are pledging more than 2 billion euros in aid for Sudan after a year of war that has pushed its population to the brink of famine.

As the war enters its 779th day, these are the main developments.

French Foreign Minister advocates EU sanctions to ensure humanitarian aid flow into Gaza.