France, April 9 -- "We strongly condemn these massive strikes," Barrot told French broadcaster France Inter.

The strikes formed the most intense bombardment of the Lebanese capital since the start of the war with the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah on 2 March.

The Lebanese health ministry reported that 182 people were killed and 890 wounded.

"Yes, Iran must stop terrorising Israel through Hezbollah, which must be disarmed without fail and return these weapons to the Lebanese state," Barrot said. "But no, Lebanon must not be the scapegoat for a government upset because a ceasefire has been reached between the United States and Iran."

United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres warned that Israeli strikes on Lebanon could jeop...