Ottawa: Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and seven other countries have issued a joint statement calling for an 'urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon,' expressing deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the growing displacement crisis.
According to Ghana News Agency, the countries emphasized the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure from the ongoing conflict. While they welcomed a recent two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States, Israel, and Iran, they stressed that similar efforts are necessary in Lebanon to ensure a comprehensive cessation of violence.
The joint appeal comes on the heels of an initial meeting between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Washington, aimed at setting the stage for direct negotiations between the conflicting parties. The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon has intensified in the context of the broader Iran war, with Israel criticizing the Lebanese government for its inability to dismantle the group, which operates with considerable autonomy within Lebanon.
The ten countries also urged adherence to international humanitarian law to protect human dignity, minimize civilian harm, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The statement strongly condemned actions that have resulted in the deaths of UN peacekeepers and increased risks for humanitarian workers in southern Lebanon.
In late March, three UN peacekeepers lost their lives in southern Lebanon, according to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Initial findings by UNIFIL indicated that one attack on March 29 was perpetrated by an Israeli tank, while another on March 30 was caused by an explosive device planted by Hezbollah. The UN has maintained a peacekeeping presence along the border since 1978, with approximately 7,500 troops from nearly 50 countries currently deployed.
The statement was endorsed by Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the UK.