17.03.2026 08:54
Leaders of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy warned that Israel's ground assault on Lebanon could have devastating humanitarian consequences and lead to prolonged conflicts.
The leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy, who made a joint statement regarding the increasing tension between Israel and Hezbollah, expressed their concern over the rising tensions in Lebanon.
"THE TENSION MUST BE REDUCED IMMEDIATELY"
The statement indicated that Lebanese and Israeli representatives should come together to find a political solution, stating, "We strongly support the initiative that will provide a dialogue to immediately reduce the tension."
CALL FOR HEZBOLLAH TO LAY DOWN ARMS
The statement condemned Hezbollah's attacks on Israel and its support for Iran, calling on the group to lay down its arms. It emphasized that attacks on civilians in Lebanon, the United Nations task force, healthcare workers, civil infrastructure, and health infrastructure were also condemned, stating, "Israel's serious ground operation could lead to devastating humanitarian consequences and cause a prolonged conflict. This situation must be prevented."
"WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF LEBANON"
The statement highlighted that the humanitarian situation in Lebanon and the displacements have reached serious dimensions, expressing that support should be given to Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah and prevent attacks. It emphasized, "We stand in solidarity with the Lebanese government and people, who have been drawn into the conflict unwillingly."
ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON LEBANON
In a statement made by the Israeli army on March 2, it was noted that sirens were activated in the northern part of the country after detecting missile launches from Lebanon. The Israeli army, which later announced that it had launched airstrikes across Lebanon targeting the capital Beirut, decided to expand its ground invasion in Lebanon, conducting intense attacks from the air and sea.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced on March 15 that 850 people had lost their lives and 2,105 had been injured in the attacks carried out by Israel on Lebanon since March 2. The Disaster Management Authority, affiliated with the Lebanese government, reported that the number of forcibly displaced people in Lebanon due to Israel's invasion and attacks had exceeded 830,000.