BRUSSELS, Belgium: The European Union (EU) called today (Apr 10) for an immediate halt to attacks in Lebanon, stressing that the ongoing violence has already caused severe civilian casualties and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
“We demand the immediate cessation of attacks in Lebanon, which have already taken a heavy, heavy toll on civilians and civilian infrastructure. It is clear that all parties must fully comply with international humanitarian law,” European Commission spokesperson, Anouar El Anouni, told reporters in Brussels.
El Anouni said the EU welcomes recent announcements regarding the initiation of peace talks between Israel and Lebanon, describing them as a “positive development”, while stressing that diplomacy remains “the only viable path forward”.
He urged all parties to engage “seriously and in good faith” in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, calling for full compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, UN peacekeepers, including UNIFIL, and humanitarian personnel.
On the occupied West Bank, El Anouni referred to Israel’s decision to establish 34 new settlements, saying the EU considers such actions “outlawed by international law” and a violation of long-standing positions on unilateral measures.
“We condemn unilateral action carried out by Israel in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, and we refer back to the long-standing positions declaring these unilateral actions illegal,” he said.
El Anouni further called on Israel to reverse the decisions, comply with its international obligations, and ensure protection of the Palestinian population in the occupied territories, including the West Bank. – BERNAMA-ANADOLU
