WASHINGTON: Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and several other countries have called for an urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon, expressing deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis.
In a joint statement, the countries condemned the killing of United Nations peacekeepers and highlighted the growing risks faced by humanitarian workers. They also voiced alarm over the increasing displacement of civilians and the deteriorating situation on the ground.
The statement follows the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers last month. According to preliminary UN findings, one was killed by a tank projectile, while two others died due to an improvised explosive device.Israel intensified its air and ground operations in Lebanon after Hezbollah launched missiles on March 2.
Since then, more than 2,000 people have been killed and around 1.2 million displaced, according to Lebanese authorities. Hezbollah has continued missile attacks, primarily targeting areas near Israel’s northern border, though some strikes have reached major cities.
Israeli authorities report casualties including civilians and soldiers since the escalation began. The countries also welcomed a ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran, calling it a positive step. However, they emphasized the need to extend de-escalation efforts to Lebanon and urged an immediate halt to violence there.
Iran has stated that any broader agreement must include an end to the conflict in Lebanon, while Israel has rejected calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon and insists on the disarmament of Hezbollah.
