Foreign ministers to Israel: Attacks must end immediately

Foreign ministers from Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Moldova, Norway, Poland, San Marino, Spain, and Sweden have issued a joint statement due to the worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon.

The statement read, "As foreign ministers concerned about the conflicts in the Middle East, we are horrified by the dramatic situation in Lebanon and the renewed escalation of violence.

Currently, 1.2 million people in the country have been displaced, which corresponds to approximately one-quarter of the population. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, more than a thousand people, mostly civilians, including children, aid workers, and journalists, have lost their lives so far."

"Hezbollah must disarm"

Expressing their strong condemnation of Hezbollah's decision to attack Israel in support of Iran, the ministers stated, "Hezbollah must immediately cease all hostile actions against Israel and disarm in accordance with the relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions."

"Israel's attacks are unjustifiable and unacceptable"

In the statement, which also reminded Israel of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law, it was noted, "Attacks on civilians, medical personnel, aid workers, journalists, civilian infrastructure, and facilities are unjustifiable and unacceptable. They must end immediately."

Emphasizing the need for independent investigation and accountability, the statement included the following: "Israel's military operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah's attacks must end. We call on Israel to fully respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we invite all parties, including Hezbollah and Israel, to cease military actions."

The statement also called for the full, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all those affected by the situation.

Attacks on UNIFIL troops condemned

Expressing their support for the Lebanese government's efforts to bring weapons under state control and disarm Hezbollah, the European foreign ministers stated their support for the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and condemned all attacks on UNIFIL troops.

The statement said, "These attacks have led to unacceptable casualties among peacekeepers, resulting in the death of Indonesian peacekeepers in particular. The safety of UN peacekeeping personnel must be ensured at all times. We extend our condolences to all victims of the violence in Lebanon and Israel and their families."

Calling on all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement of November 2024, the statement added, "We strongly encourage Israel to accept the Lebanese authorities' call for direct negotiations. Efforts to support stability in Lebanon are vital for lasting peace and security in the Middle East. De-escalation is urgently needed. Diplomacy must prevail."

"We have mobilized significant urgent and humanitarian support for Lebanon"

The statement concluded, "We have mobilized significant urgent and humanitarian support to assist Lebanon and its people, and we will continue to do so. We call on the international community to mobilize for further support for Lebanon and its people."