EU Demands Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon, Condemns Israeli Strikes on UN Peacekeepers

As tensions surge along Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell has renewed calls for an “immediate ceasefire” in southern Lebanon and criticized what he described as Israel’s “unacceptable attacks” on United Nations peacekeepers. Conflict, which has intensified since late September, has caused multiple injuries to UNIFIL personnel and damage to our facilities as Israel responds to rocket fire and threats from Hezbollah. 

Borrell addressed conflict at a forum in Barcelona, urging all parties to respect ceasefire lines established by UNIFIL and abide by UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which requires the Lebanese Armed Forces to be the sole military force in the region. Adopted in 2006 after the Lebanon war, Resolution 1701 has been weakly enforced, allowing Hezbollah to establish a significant arsenal and defensive positions in southern Lebanon. While Israel contends that it targets only Hezbollah assets, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently accused Hezbollah of using UNIFIL personnel as “human shields,” suggesting force should consider withdrawing to avoid potential risks. 

Hezbollah’s Growing Power and Strain on UNIFIL 

Hezbollah has been fortifying its military capabilities for years, reportedly supported by Iran, yet UNIFIL’s authority to intervene remains limited. Understaffed and constrained by the resolution’s terms, UNIFIL has found itself unable to prevent Hezbollah’s buildup, while  Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have largely refrained from challenging the group’s growing power. 

EU’s statement highlights the strain this places on the region, with Borrell’s remarks underscoring frustration over ongoing violence, which now risks drawing Lebanon deeper into a broader regional conflict between Israel and militant groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas. Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) have insisted that they are taking precautions to avoid harming UN peacekeepers while focusing on weakening Hezbollah’s position in the region. 

Regional and International Reactions 

EU and or international actors have urged caution, seeking to prevent escalation that could destabilize Lebanon further. UNIFIL, in a statement earlier this month, reiterated its call for cooperation from all sides to maintain peace along the contested “blue line,” a de facto border monitored by force. As the situation develops, many observers worry that Lebanon, already suffering economic and political crises, could face additional pressure amid rising regional instability. 

Meanwhile, Israeli and Lebanese citizens in border areas remain on edge, with evacuations and heightened security efforts underway. 

Scroll to Top