The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, called for “an urgent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, which have already taken a heavy toll on civilians”, on the evening of Thursday 9 April in a statement issued on behalf of the EU.
“All parties must comply with international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, UN peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel”, she stressed.
Following massive strikes that killed more than 300 people in Lebanon despite the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran (see EUROPE 13844/1), the Israeli Army issued an evacuation order on Thursday for densely populated areas in southern Beirut, a stronghold of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah and home to major civilian hospitals.
On Friday 10 April, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS), Anouar El Anouni, welcomed the Israeli government’s announcement that peace talks with the Lebanese authorities would begin next week in Washington.
He reiterated the EU’s “unwavering” support for the UNIFIL mission to stabilise Lebanon, which has come under attack and suffered casualties.
Through the European Peace Facility, the EU allocated €60 million in early 2025 to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (see EUROPE 13562/27). On the humanitarian front, it has mobilised €110 million to help the civilian population, at a time when one million Lebanese people have been forcibly displaced (see EUROPE 13834/15 and 13829/5).
According to Ms Kallas, who was touring the Gulf states this week, “now is the time to design a comprehensive strategy for lasting peace across the entire Middle East”. It is also important to urge the parties concerned to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial point for international trade and air transport.
On Tuesday 14 April, the European Parliament’s Committee on Development will discuss the humanitarian situation in Lebanon. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)