European leaders warn against Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon
The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK on Monday said Israel must avoid mounting a ground incursion into Lebanon, after it resumed its war on the country's south two weeks ago.
They said they are "gravely concerned" by the attacks on all sides, and demanded a return to the negotiating table.
"A significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict. It must be averted," the leaders warned in a joint statement.
"The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including ongoing mass displacement, is already deeply alarming."
As of Monday, one million people in Lebanon have been displaced because of this latest spate of attacks, according to the country's disasters and risk management unit.
At least 886 Lebanese have been killed so far, with another 2,141 wounded.
Hezbollah began firing missiles at Israel shortly after Israel began its joint war with the US on Iran on 28 February.
A November 2024 truce between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the Trump administration, had already been violated by Israel hundreds of times.
But Israel says it only targets weapons depots and senior operatives within Hezbollah that pose an imminent threat.
Monday's joint statement condemned "attacks directed at civilians", calling them "unacceptable".
"We condemn attacks directed at civilians, civilian infrastructure, health workers and infrastructure, as well as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. These actions are unacceptable, and we call on all parties to act in accordance with international humanitarian law," the statement says.
"Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and the targeting of civilians must cease, and they must disarm. We condemn Hezbollah’s decision to join Iran in hostilities, which further jeopardises regional peace and security."
The leaders called on the Lebanese government to disarm the group and prohibit its military activities.
Hezbollah, however, has insisted that it cannot disarm as long as Israel poses a threat along its southern border.
It has also, for decades, proven itself a far more entrenched fighting force than the army, with its longstanding support from Iran.
This article was sourced from Middle East Eye.
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