The European Union has called for an urgent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, warning that the ongoing violence is inflicting severe humanitarian consequences on civilians and worsening instability across the wider Middle East.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, issued the appeal in a statement released late Thursday, stressing the need for all parties involved in the conflict to halt military operations without delay.
“We further call for an urgent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, which take a heavy toll on civilians,” Kallas said, emphasizing the growing concern within the European bloc over the escalating violence.
She also urged all actors in the region to fully respect the recently announced ceasefire framework, reiterating the EU’s position that diplomatic engagement remains the only sustainable path toward de-escalation.
“All parties must comply with international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, UN peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel,” she added.
Kallas further highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in key international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that maritime passage must remain safe and open in accordance with international law. The Strait, one of the world’s most critical energy routes, has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions amid ongoing regional instability.
Her statement welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and Iran earlier this week, describing it as a positive step toward reducing tensions. She also commended Pakistan and other regional partners for their mediation efforts, which helped facilitate the two-week truce announced on Tuesday.
According to EU officials, the agreement offers a crucial opportunity to reduce violence and create space for broader diplomatic negotiations aimed at achieving a long-term settlement in the region. Kallas stressed that sustained dialogue and good-faith engagement remain essential for addressing unresolved disputes.
“All parties must continue engaging in good faith toward a sustainable agreement,” she said, adding that now is the time to develop “a comprehensive strategy for lasting peace across the Middle East.”
Despite the diplomatic progress, fighting on the ground has continued to intensify, particularly in Lebanon, where Israeli military operations have escalated significantly in recent days.
Israeli airstrikes have reportedly increased across multiple regions in Lebanon, even as international mediators push for de-escalation. According to Lebanese authorities, the renewed wave of attacks has resulted in heavy civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
Lebanon’s Civil Defense reported that at least 303 people have been killed and 1,150 others injured since Wednesday alone, as Israeli strikes expanded in scope and intensity. The Lebanese Health Ministry further stated that since the broader escalation began on March 2, at least 1,888 people have been killed and 6,092 injured.
The Israeli government, however, has maintained that its operations are ongoing and necessary for national security objectives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that “there is no ceasefire in Lebanon,” despite reports of parallel diplomatic engagements and indirect discussions involving regional actors.
The conflicting interpretations of the ceasefire have raised concerns among international observers, who warn that ambiguity over the agreement’s scope could undermine efforts to stabilize the region. While mediators, including Pakistan and Iran, have suggested that Lebanon falls under the broader truce framework, the United States and Israel have disputed this interpretation.
The situation has added further strain to an already volatile geopolitical landscape, with analysts cautioning that continued military escalation could derail ongoing peace efforts.
The EU has reiterated that only a comprehensive and verifiable ceasefire, backed by strong international guarantees, can prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and pave the way for long-term stability in the Middle East.
