The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has issued a stark warning that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah is pushing the Middle East towards “total war”.
Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Borrell said, “We are almost on the brink of a total war”.
He emphasised the gravity of the situation, particularly noting the heavy civilian casualties in Lebanon.
The diplomat’s comments came in the wake of intense Israeli aerial bombardments on Hezbollah positions, which Lebanese authorities report have resulted in 492 deaths, including 35 children.
This marks the highest death toll since hostilities escalated following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Borrell called for an immediate ceasefire along the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated border between northern Israel and southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence.
“Just as in the Gaza Strip, civilians in Lebanon are paying an unbearable, unacceptable price,” Borrell stated, drawing parallels to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza after nearly a year of conflict.
The EU foreign policy chief urged for swift action to halt the war, whilst acknowledging the failure of diplomatic efforts thus far to end the conflict in Gaza.
(information from amna.gr)
