Brussels: European leaders intensified calls to extend the US-Iran ceasefire to Lebanon on Thursday after a wave of Israeli strikes triggered mounting casualties and widespread condemnation across the continent. The EU strongly condemned the strikes, warning that the military escalation could unravel the ceasefire agreement and urging that Lebanon be included in its scope.
According to Anadolu Agency, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Israeli actions are putting the truce under "severe strain," stressing that "the Iran truce should extend to Lebanon." Similarly, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed being "deeply troubled" by Israeli strikes in Lebanon and called for the ceasefire between the US and Iran to be extended to Lebanon. She also urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the humanitarian toll of the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted a "faint prospect of peace" following the temporary ceasefire agreed between Iran, the US, and their allies, urging that negotiations be pursued "with determination." Addressing the Chamber of Deputies, Meloni praised Pakistani President Shehbaz Sharif for facilitating the talks and emphasized that upcoming negotiations in Islamabad should strengthen the agreement. She reiterated Italy's support for Lebanese sovereignty and called for the disarmament of Hezbollah and an end to Israeli military escalation.
French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the bombardment "in the strongest possible terms," labeling it a "direct threat" to the sustainability of the ceasefire. In discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Macron insisted, "Lebanon must be fully covered by it."
The two-week truce between Iran and the US, mediated by Pakistan, was announced on Tuesday to pave the way for a final agreement to end the war initiated by Washington and Israel against Tehran on February 28. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties.
Lebanon declared a period of national mourning after Israeli attacks killed at least 254 people on Wednesday, according to Lebanese authorities, raising concerns that the escalation could derail the fragile truce between Washington and Tehran.