European Council President Antonio Costa has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, expressing deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the country. Describing the crisis as “appalling,” Costa highlighted the growing toll of the conflict, including the displacement of more than 1.3 million people and rising civilian casualties.
Costa made his position known in a statement shared on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter), where he disclosed that he had engaged in direct communication with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. According to him, the discussion was aimed at conveying the European Union’s condolences to the people of Lebanon over the increasing loss of lives, as well as reaffirming the EU’s solidarity and continued support for the country during this difficult period.
“I spoke with President Aoun to express the EU’s condolences for the loss of civilian lives and our solidarity and support for Lebanon and its people,” Costa stated, underscoring the bloc’s concern about the unfolding crisis.
The European Council President also addressed the role of Hezbollah in the ongoing conflict, commending what he described as Lebanon’s firm stance against the group’s military operations. He noted that the decision to ban Hezbollah’s military activities was a step in the right direction toward restoring peace and stability in the region.
“Lebanon made the right decision to ban Hezbollah’s military activities,” Costa said, while calling on the group to immediately halt its attacks, which have contributed significantly to the escalation of violence along the Israel-Lebanon border.
In addition, Costa directed a strong appeal to Israel, urging the country to bring an end to its ongoing military campaign in Lebanon and instead pursue diplomatic engagement with Lebanese authorities. He emphasized that continued military action would only deepen the humanitarian crisis and prolong instability in the region.
“Israel should stop its military operations and engage in direct talks with the Lebanese authorities,” he added, reinforcing the EU’s preference for dialogue and peaceful resolution over armed confrontation.
Costa further stressed the importance of adherence to international humanitarian law by all parties involved in the conflict. He called for the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, warning that violations of international law could have far-reaching consequences for regional peace and security.
“All parties must respect international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard non-combatants caught in the crossfire.
The European leader’s intervention comes against the backdrop of escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, which has significantly intensified in recent weeks. Israel has launched a series of heavy airstrikes across Lebanon, targeting what it describes as Hezbollah positions, while also initiating a ground offensive in southern parts of the country.
The Israeli military campaign followed a cross-border attack carried out by Hezbollah on March 2, which marked a turning point in the current phase of hostilities. Since then, the situation has rapidly deteriorated, with both sides engaging in sustained military actions.
Lebanese authorities report that at least 1,072 people have been killed as a result of Israeli airstrikes, while 2,966 others have sustained injuries. The ongoing violence has also triggered a massive displacement crisis, with over 1.3 million people forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
The conflict in Lebanon is also part of a broader regional escalation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Reports indicate that a joint US-Israeli offensive targeting Iran has resulted in the deaths of more than 1,340 people since February 28, further heightening tensions across the Middle East.
In response, Iran has launched a series of retaliatory drone and missile strikes aimed at Israel, as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries. Iranian officials have stated that these attacks are primarily directed at US military assets in the region, signaling a dangerous expansion of the conflict beyond its initial boundaries.
The growing complexity of the crisis has raised fears among global leaders of a wider regional war, with multiple actors now directly or indirectly involved. Analysts warn that without urgent diplomatic intervention, the situation could spiral further out of control, leading to even greater humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.
Against this backdrop, Costa’s call for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts reflects increasing international pressure on all parties to de-escalate tensions. The European Union has consistently advocated for peaceful resolution mechanisms and continues to urge restraint, dialogue, and respect for international norms.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the focus remains on preventing further loss of life, addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced populations, and restoring stability in a region that has long been plagued by cycles of violence and political instability.
