Germany calls on Israel to limit its military operations in Lebanon

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday called on Israel to adhere to international law and minimize civilian casualties in its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Speaking to reporters upon her arrival in Beirut, Baerbock reiterated that Israel, which began heavy airstrikes in Lebanon late last month, has a right to self-defense against Hezbollah’s rocket attacks, but underlined that response should be measured.

“Israel must conduct its operations within the narrow limits of self-defense and international humanitarian law, and protect the lives of innocent civilians,” she said, adding that all conflict parties are also obliged to protect UN peacekeepers.

“The UNIFIL soldiers have our full support. They are needed for a political solution to the conflict. Any deliberate attack on UN peacekeepers is a violation of international humanitarian law,” she said.

Baerbock also warned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon, and underlined that destabilization of the country could have far-reaching onsequences for the entire region.

“The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is becoming more desperate every day. Hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing with the last of their belongings, children are being separated from their parents, hospitals are working at the edge of their capacity,” the minister said.

“A complete destabilization of the country would be fatal for the most religiously diverse society of all states in the Middle East and also for the entire region,” she added.

Baerbock called for stronger efforts by Western partners and regional actors to reach a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

“We must now work with our partners in the US, Europe and the Arab world to find a viable diplomatic solution that safeguards the legitimate security interests of both Israel and Lebanon,” she said.

She cited UN Resolution 1701 as crucial for peace, and stressed the importance of Lebanese armed forces in the process.