EU Urges Halt to Israeli Strikes in Lebanon After Civilian Deaths

The European Union and several member states urged an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon on Friday, following a series of airstrikes that killed dozens of civilians and displaced thousands in the south of the country. The calls came amid confusion over a newly announced US-Iran ceasefire, with European leaders pressing for its extension to include the Israel-Hezbollah conflict along Israel's northern border.

The strikes, part of an intensified campaign against Hezbollah targets, marked one of the largest escalations in recent weeks, according to reports from the region. Lebanese officials reported widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, including homes and roads, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that has already forced over a million people from their homes since hostilities resumed last year. The EU's foreign affairs spokesperson, Anouar El Anouni, stated in Brussels that the violence had taken a "heavy toll on civilians," demanding full compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties. He welcomed initial peace talks between Israel and Lebanon but emphasized that diplomacy, aligned with United Nations Security Council resolutions,...