EU foreign policy chief urges immediate cease-fire in Lebanon amid rising civilian displacement

By Merve Berker

The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday stressed the urgent need for a cease-fire in Lebanon, highlighting that 20% of the population has been displaced due to intensified bombings by Israel and escalating conflict across the region.

Speaking at the European Parliament, Borrell underscored the dire situation at the Gaza border and its impact on Lebanon, where Hezbollah's rocket attacks and Israel's military response have escalated tensions.

"The bombings are incredibly strong, and towns centers are being affected too," he said.

Borrell revealed that approximately 50,000 displaced Lebanese have fled to Syria, and estimated civilian casualties have already reached 2,000.

He pointed to Hezbollah’s dual role in Lebanon as both a political entity and a military force, which complicates efforts to stabilize the country.

“Lebanon is unstable because within the state, there is another state, which is Hezbollah, a puppet of Iran,” Borrell added.

He emphasized the importance of political reform in Lebanon, particularly the need to elect a president after two years of “gridlock.”

The EU has allocated €40 million ($43.9 million) in humanitarian aid, but Borrell warned that there has to be a strong political will and international support.

“If the UN's forces are not strengthened it will be difficult to effect change in the region, and it will be difficult to prevent Lebanon from becoming another Gaza, especially if you look at the current intensity of the war,” he underlined.