A News Agency

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

The statement emphasized support for the Lebanese people facing the severe consequences of the war, extended condolences to the families of the victims, and expressed solidarity with civilians affected in both Lebanon and Israel.

The joint statement stated that responsibility for the current situation lies with Hezbollah, strongly condemned attacks against Israel in support of Iran, and stressed that these attacks must cease immediately.

The statement underlined support for the decisions of the Lebanese government and emphasized that protecting the country from external interference is only possible through strengthening state institutions and sovereignty.

The statement called on the parties to de-escalate and highlighted the need to return to the ceasefire agreement and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

The statement also expressed concern over the displacement of more than 1 million people in Lebanon, called on Israel to refrain from expanding the conflict, and stressed the need to respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity.

The statement called on the international community to provide humanitarian assistance, reaffirmed support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and condemned attacks on peacekeeping forces.