A group of Western leaders, including those from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, have issued a strong warning to Israel against launching a ground offensive in Lebanon, amid escalating tensions along the border.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the leaders urged Israel to refrain from any large-scale military incursion, emphasizing that such a move could trigger a severe humanitarian crisis and prolong regional instability. The warning comes as renewed fighting in southern Lebanon has intensified over the past two weeks.
The statement expressed “deep concern” over ongoing hostilities and called on all parties to return to diplomatic negotiations. Leaders stressed that a ground invasion would likely worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where mass displacement has surged.
According to Lebanon’s disaster and risk management authorities, nearly one million people have been displaced due to recent violence. At least 886 people have been নিহত and more than 2,100 others injured since the latest escalation began.
Tensions flared after Hezbollah launched missile attacks toward Israel shortly following the outbreak of a broader conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States on February 28. Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered in November 2024 under the Trump administration, both sides have accused each other of repeated violations.
The joint statement also condemned attacks on civilians, infrastructure, healthcare workers, and United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, calling such actions “unacceptable.” Leaders urged all sides to adhere to international humanitarian law.
Additionally, they called on Hezbollah to cease its attacks on Israel and to disarm, while criticizing Iran’s involvement in the conflict. The leaders warned that Tehran’s support forHezbollah risks further destabilizing the region.
Hezbollah, however, has maintained that it will not disarm as long as Israeli threats persist along Lebanon’s southern border. Backed by Iran, the group has grown into a powerful military force, reportedly stronger than Lebanon’s regular army.
