Beirut: The European Union’s Foreign Ministers from Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, together with the High Representative of the European Union, have issued a joint statement expressing their support for the Lebanese government and people amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the ministers condemned Hezbollah for its attacks in support of Iran against Israel. The statement emphasized the need for these attacks to cease immediately to prevent further escalation of the conflict involving Iran. The EU ministers also highlighted their support for the Lebanese government’s decisions aimed at preserving the country’s sovereignty and called for direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict.

The joint statement also underscored the importance of strengthening Lebanon’s state institutions and its sovereignty. It called for the Lebanese governmen
t to implement irreversible measures to regain control over its entire territory and maintain a monopoly on arms. The EU committed to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and Security Forces, emphasizing the need for Lebanon to adopt necessary financial and economic reforms aligned with IMF requirements.

The ministers urged all parties to deescalate tensions and adhere to the cessation of hostilities agreement and UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). They called for the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, peacekeepers, and infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law. The statement also addressed the issue of forced displacement, urging Israel to avoid further escalation, including ground operations on Lebanese soil, and reaffirmed the importance of respecting Lebanon’s territorial integrity.

The EU reiterated its commitment to supporting Lebanon in providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict, including over 1 million displaced individuals. The
statement urged the international community to join in this humanitarian effort to ensure dignified living conditions for the victims.

Finally, the EU reaffirmed its support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in South Lebanon and condemned recent attacks on UNIFIL contingents. The ministers called for ensuring the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and commended their efforts under challenging conditions.