Israel–Hezbollah war: UN concern and European call
As the United Nations expresses concern that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could become prolonged, European countries have called on both sides to “halt military actions.”
On Thursday, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, voiced concern that the conflict in southern Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah may drag on.
Speaking in a video message from Syria after a brief visit to Lebanon, Fletcher said: “A very discouraging impression struck me — and I believe many people in Lebanon share it — a sense of despair, frustration, and anxiety.”
He continued: “There is a feeling that this conflict could become long-term,” reiterating the existence of a “real risk” involving the “occupation of new territories in southern Lebanon.”
He also expressed his “deep concern about national cohesion” in Lebanon, stressing “the need for all Lebanese parties to unite at this critical moment, as entire communities are being displaced.”
Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hezbollah and its Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, that they would pay a “very heavy price” for intensifying their attacks during the Jewish holiday of Passover.
In a video message, Katz said: “I have a clear message to Naim Qassem: you and your partners will pay a very heavy price for escalating rocket fire against Israeli civilians as they gathered to celebrate the Seder,” the traditional Passover dinner.
This warning followed Hezbollah’s announcement of a series of rocket attacks on northern Israel late Wednesday night and at dawn on Thursday, coinciding with the beginning of Passover celebrations by Israeli Jews.
European concern
On the same day, 18 European countries called on Israel and Hezbollah to stop the fighting, as the war between them entered its second month, with Israeli officials reaffirming their intention to establish a “security zone” in southern Lebanon.
A joint statement by the foreign ministers of these countries — notably Italy, Spain, Belgium, Poland, and Ireland — stated: “Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah’s attacks must cease.”
The statement added: “We urge Israel to fully respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and call on all parties, both Hezbollah and Israel, to end military actions.”
Lebanon was drawn into the ongoing war against Iran when Hezbollah, backed by Tehran, began launching rockets at Israel on March 2, saying it was in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of the U.S.–Israeli attack on Iran.
Israel has responded with extensive airstrikes in Lebanon and by deploying ground forces into southern areas near its border.
The toll of Israeli strikes in Lebanon since roughly a month into the war with Hezbollah has exceeded 1,300 dead, according to information released Wednesday by the Ministry of Health.
