EU foreign policy chief calls for urgent cease-fire as Israel-Hezbollah border attacks intensify

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) — EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Sunday expressed "extreme concern" over escalating violence between Lebanon and Israel, calling for an immediate cease-fire.

In a statement, Borrell highlighted recent attacks in the Lebanese capital Beirut that killed at least three children amid ongoing cross-border violence between Israel and the Hezbollah group.

"A ceasefire is urgent, across the Blue Line as in Gaza," Borrell stated, emphasizing the harm that civilians have suffered on both sides.

The Blue Line serves as a boundary separating Lebanon from Israel and the Israel-occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

The EU official warned of the impact a full-scale war would have on the region and stressed the need for "renewed intense diplomatic mediation efforts."

Borrell also called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to resolve hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and includes provisions for the deployment of Lebanese and UN forces in southern Lebanon.

The escalating situation is set to be a priority at the upcoming UN General Assembly, Borrell added.