Top EU Diplomat Calls for Ceasefire in Israel-Hezbollah War
On Sunday, top EU diplomat Josep Borrell visited Lebanon and called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war. This call came as the militant group Hezbollah claimed attacks deep into Israel, with the Israeli military reporting around 160 projectiles fired into Israeli territory. While some of the projectiles were intercepted, others caused damage to houses in central Israel, as depicted in AFP images.
Escalation of Conflict
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated in late September, almost a year after the group began launching strikes in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas. This followed an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. The situation has led to significant casualties on both sides, with the health ministry in Lebanon reporting at least 3,754 deaths since October 2023, most of them occurring since September. On the Israeli side, authorities have confirmed the deaths of at least 82 soldiers and 47 civilians.
International Efforts for Peace
US special envoy Amos Hochstein recently stated that a truce deal was “within our grasp” while in Lebanon, before heading to Israel for further discussions. In Lebanon, Borrell engaged in talks with parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, who has been mediating on behalf of Hezbollah.
Call for Ceasefire and Implementation of UN Resolution
Borrell emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution, which ended the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war, calls for Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers to be the only armed forces present in the southern border area. It also includes provisions for Israel to withdraw troops from Lebanon and calls for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon.
Recent Developments
Despite international calls for peace, the conflict continues to escalate, with Hezbollah claiming attacks on Israeli military sites. The Lebanese army, although not directly involved in the war, has suffered casualties, with a recent strike killing one soldier and injuring 18 others.
Hezbollah’s recent attacks included missiles and drones directed at Israeli targets, with reports of damage and casualties in Israel. The Israeli military has also conducted strikes in Lebanon, resulting in fatalities and destruction in Beirut and its southern suburbs.
Concerns and Criticism
There is growing concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict, with casualties reported on both sides and significant damage to infrastructure. Criticism has been directed at Israel for its conduct during the war, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials.
Conclusion
The situation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict remains dire, with calls for an immediate ceasefire and international intervention to prevent further escalation and loss of life. The need for diplomacy and peaceful resolution is paramount to avoid further humanitarian crises in the region.
FAQs
What is the current death toll in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict?
The conflict has resulted in at least 3,754 deaths in Lebanon and numerous casualties in Israel, including both soldiers and civilians.
What are the key demands of UN Security Council Resolution 1701?
Resolution 1701 calls for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, and the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, with Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers as the only armed forces in the southern border area.