The spokesman added that the EU is engaged in ongoing diplomatic efforts, including initiatives by the United States and other international partners, to bring about negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
El Anouni stressed that the EU stands in solidarity with the people of Lebanon and will continue to provide them with support and emergency assistance. It will also support the local authorities in solving the current crisis. —The people of Lebanon were already facing enormous difficulties. They did not choose this war, this war is not their war, the spokesman said, adding that both the people of Lebanon and Israel have the right to peace, security and dignity, and to live free from the threat of renewed conflict.
Israel violates the ceasefire again. Beirut attacks
The spokesman also confirmed that as the UN mandate for the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission expires at the end of 2026, the EU is considering a new mission aimed at strengthening state authorities in Lebanon. Similar reports were also provided by the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas. El Anouni noted, however, that at the moment he does not intend to speculate on whether these plans will be implemented.
In recent days, Israel has stepped up its offensive against the pro-Iranian Lebanese Hezbollah, meaning the ceasefire announced in mid-April has largely ceased to apply. On Monday, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's office ordered attacks on “terrorist targets” located in the southern Beirut district of Dahia, considered a Hezbollah stronghold.
