America News Agency

The foreign ministers of Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom, along with the European Union High Representative, issued a joint statement on developments in Lebanon.

The statement expressed support for the Lebanese government and people, offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and conveyed a message of solidarity with civilians.

Warning against escalation and call for negotiations

The statement said that responsibility for the current situation lies with Hezbollah, condemned the Iran-backed attacks, and stressed that these actions must stop immediately. It emphasized that preventing further escalation of the regional conflict is a priority.

It also called for direct political negotiations to begin in order to permanently end the conflict between Lebanon and Israel, noting that all parties must return to the ceasefire and comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

Sovereignty and humanitarian situation

The statement said that Lebanon’s sovereignty must be strengthened and noted that support would be provided to the Lebanese security forces.

Concern was also expressed over the displacement of more than 1 million people in Lebanon, and a call was made to protect civilians and humanitarian aid workers.

Support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was reaffirmed, attacks on these forces were condemned, and it was stressed that the safety of personnel must be ensured.