BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – Several states, including Germany, have warned Israel against launching a large-scale ground offensive in Lebanon in the conflict with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia. “A significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict,” the leaders of Germany, France, Italy, Canada and the United Kingdom said in a statement. “This must be averted. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including the ongoing mass displacement, is already extremely alarming.”
The leaders condemned Hezbollah’s decision to join Iran’s attacks on Israel in the statement. “Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and its targeted attacks on the civilian population must stop, Hezbollah must lay down its weapons.”
“We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence in Lebanon and call on Israel and Lebanon to make constructive efforts to find a sustainable political solution,” the statement said. “We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Lebanon, who were drawn into the conflict against their will.”/cab/DP/stw
