Poland, European nations urge Israel, Hezbollah to end fighting in Lebanon
Eighteen European countries, including Poland, have called on Israel and Hezbollah to halt fighting in Lebanon, according to media reports.
In a joint appeal cited by the French AFP news agency on Thursday, the foreign ministers expressed concern over Israel's reported plans to retain control of parts of southern Lebanon even after the conflict ends.
"We urge Israel to fully respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and call on all parties, both Hezbollah and Israel, to halt military action," the statement said.
The signatories also condemned attacks on civilians as "unjustified and unacceptable," highlighting strikes affecting medical personnel, humanitarian workers and journalists.
They further encouraged Israel to open negotiations with the Lebanese government, stressing that its reform efforts should be "be supported instead of being undermined."
According to the Italy's ANSA news agency, the letter was issued by the foreign ministers of Poland, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Moldova, Norway, San Marino, Slovenia and Sweden.
Lebanon has been gripped by renewed conflict for over a month after Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, became involved in escalating tensions with Israel. While the Lebanese government has condemned Hezbollah's actions, its armed forces remain too weak to challenge the group militarily.(PAP)
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