EU Urges Israel to Halt Ground Operations in Lebanon

© UNHCR/People gather at the Masnaa border point in Lebanon while waiting to cross into Syria.

JAKARTA - The European Union (EU) has called on Israel to immediately stop ground operations that violate Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Previously, Israel announced the launch of a limited ground operation in southern Lebanon targeting the country's Hezbollah group.

"The European Union calls for an immediate de-escalation in Lebanon as well as bilateral dialogue between Israel and Lebanon to reach a security agreement," said EU Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Anouar El Anouni, Monday, March 9, reported by ANTARA from Sputnik.

He also called on Israel to stop ground operations that violate Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to refrain from actions that could lead to more population displacement," El Anouni added.

Brussels also called on Hezbollah to immediately disarm and stop all attacks against Israel, the spokesperson added.

On Monday (2/3), a number of rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, where Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack.

In response, the Israeli military launched a massive attack on a number of populated areas throughout the country, including the capital.

Hundreds of thousands of people then began leaving their homes to seek refuge in safer areas of Lebanon.