ATHENS (Dispatches) – The EU reiterated its demand Tuesday for an immediate end to the Zionist regime’s aggression in Lebanon and Gaza.
“The European Union renews its call for an immediate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, and for both parties to commit to the full and symmetrical implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 1701, so as to ensure the safe return of displaced populations on both sides, as part of a broader negotiated settlement,” it said in a statement.
“We deplore the many civilian casualties in Lebanon, the destruction of civilian infrastructure with related long-term implications,” it said.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon on Tuesday called on the Zionist regime to stop its disproportionate military offensives in Gaza and Lebanon.
“Netanyahu, stop war,” she said, expressing her worry over the rising civilian casualties, and growing risk of a wider regional war in the Middle East.
“What we see on the ground is more than a million of displaced persons. A land offensive … that we are strongly calling on all sides to restrain from it, protect civilians, and not to go further in escalation of the war,” Fajon told Anadolu, during her Berlin visit.
The top Slovenian diplomat said European Union member states are extremely worried over the latest escalation, and are continuing their efforts for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire.
“We were always saying that what is happening in Gaza, with violation of international law, with killings of innocent civilians and children and women, will escalate further,” she said.
“And this is what we are witnessing today. So it’s an urgent call of the whole European Union, my country especially, to stop this violence on the ground, protect civilians and the respect of international law,” the minister added.
Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni on Tuesday reiterated her country’s commitment to a diplomatic solution to the Zionist regime’s current military escalation in Lebanon.
During a phone call with her Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati, Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s closeness with Lebanon and the Lebanese people, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Meloni also reiterated Italy’s commitment to a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the conflict which would allow displaced persons to return to their homes, according to the statement.
“Italy, also as current G7 President, will continue to work for de-escalation at the regional level,” it added.
Turkey on Tuesday said that “fundamentals” for its evacuation of citizens of other countries have been established, adding that “necessary preparations are underway” in cooperation with “about 20 countries that have requested support so far.”
The situation in Lebanon may “deteriorate” with Israel’s current ground invasion, said the Turkish Foreign Ministry, adding that plans have been drawn up for the evacuation of Turkish citizens.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres denounced the escalation of conflict in Lebanon as Israel has been pounding the country with airstrikes for more than one week.
“The Secretary General is extremely concerned with the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon,” according to a statement by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Urging for an immediate ceasefire, Guterres warned against “an all-out war” and said it must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs.
“The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected,” he added.