Foreign ministers from 10 European countries have issued a joint statement urging Israel to avoid further escalation of the conflict in Lebanon and to respect the country’s territorial integrity.
The statement, reported by the BBC, condemns attacks by Hezbollah against Israel, describing them as actions carried out in support of Iran. It also expresses support for the Lebanese government and encourages it to reassert sovereignty over its entire territory.
European officials called for direct political negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, stressing the need for all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions.
The statement was signed by representatives from Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, along with the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
The appeal comes after Israel deployed ground troops in southern Lebanon on March 2 and launched widespread strikes across the country. Israeli authorities say the operations aim to protect communities from attacks by Hezbollah.
Under the ceasefire agreement that ended the 2024 conflict, Hezbollah was expected to disarm and withdraw from positions in southern Lebanon, a condition that remains a key point of tension.
