The escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah has turned southern Lebanon into a flashpoint, with daily cross-border fire intensifying in recent weeks. In response to the situation, leaders of nine southern European Union countries have pledged support for Lebanon’s armed forces to help bring peace to the region. The leaders emphasized the importance of the Lebanese armed forces regaining control over the country’s south and restoring Lebanese sovereignty. French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the need for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon to protect civilians and prevent regional instability.
With the goal of aiding Lebanon, Macron announced a conference in Paris on October 24 to ramp up aid deliveries and support for the country’s military and internal security forces. The EU leaders expressed their concern over the escalating military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah, calling for a ceasefire to prevent further violence and displacement of civilians in the region. As Israeli troops targeted UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, the EU leaders condemned the actions and supported Macron’s call for a suspension of weapons deliveries to Israel to de-escalate the situation.
In addition to addressing the conflict, the leaders discussed the ongoing issue of irregular migration and the need to tackle it at its source, including in the migrants’ countries of origin or transit. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of creating conditions within Syria, in collaboration with international partners, to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees to their home country. The leaders pledged to work together to address the root causes of irregular migration and find sustainable solutions.
The recent ramping up of violence between Israel and Hezbollah has raised concerns among the international community, prompting the leaders of nine southern European Union countries to pledge their support for Lebanon’s armed forces. The leaders emphasized the importance of regaining control over Lebanon’s south and restoring Lebanese sovereignty to bring peace to the troubled region. Calls for a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon were made to protect civilians and prevent further violence and displacement.
In response to the escalating situation, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a conference in Paris aimed at increasing aid deliveries and support for Lebanon’s military and internal security forces. The EU leaders also condemned Israel’s targeting of UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon and supported Macron’s call for a suspension of weapons deliveries to Israel to de-escalate the conflict. Additionally, the leaders discussed the issue of irregular migration and stressed the importance of addressing it at its source, including in the migrants’ countries of origin or transit.
With the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, the EU leaders are working to find solutions to the root causes of the violence and displacement in the region. By supporting Lebanon’s armed forces and calling for a ceasefire, the leaders hope to bring stability and peace to the troubled region. The initiatives discussed at the meeting, including aid deliveries, support for Lebanon’s military, and efforts to address irregular migration, demonstrate the commitment of the EU countries to finding sustainable solutions to the ongoing crises.
