Ankara, 26 March (H.S.):

European Council President António Costa has expressed deep concern over the ongoing war between Israel and Lebanon’s militant group Hezbollah and has appealed for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilian lives. Speaking amid escalating hostilities Costa stressed that the situation in the region is deteriorating and urged both sides to stop the fighting without delay.

Quoting a report by Turkish news agency Anadolu Costa described the current conditions in Lebanon as extremely critical. He noted that more than 1.3 million people have been displaced in the country because of the conflict. Following a conversation with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Costa conveyed the European Council’s condolence and support to Lebanon. He welcomed the government’s move to curb Hezbollah’s military activities and called on the group to immediately halt all attacks.

Costa also appealed to Israel to stop its military operations and to open direct talks with Lebanese authorities. He urged all parties to respect international law and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The European Council head said that the region is being pushed toward wider instability and called for a de‑escalation to avoid a larger humanitarian crisis.

The confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah began on 2 March when Hezbollah launched cross‑border attacks into Israel prompting a large‑scale Israeli air and ground campaign in southern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities say that Israeli strikes have so far killed at least 1,027 people and injured around 2,966 others.

The situation has further worsened as the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iran which responded with missile and drone attacks aimed at Israel Jordan Iraq and parts of the Gulf region widening the geographic and political footprint of the conflict.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar