The European Union (EU) urged Israel to halt its airstrikes in Lebanon, criticizing recent military actions as burdening stability in the Middle East. It also voiced concern that the situation could shake the cease-fire between the United States and Iran.
Kaja Kallas, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said on the 9th (local time) on the social platform X (formerly Twitter), "Israel's actions are placing a serious burden on the cease-fire between the United States and Iran," adding, "The cease-fire must be extended to Lebanon."
Kallas noted that while Hezbollah, Lebanon's pro-Iran armed faction, had a role in sparking the crisis, Israel's response went beyond the bounds of legitimate self-defense.
Kallas emphasized, "Hundreds of people were killed last night by Israeli airstrikes, and it is hard to say such hard-line actions fall within the scope of self-defense." She added, "Hezbollah must also disarm under existing agreements, and the EU supports the Lebanese government's efforts to advance this."
According to Lebanese health authorities, about 200 people were killed and roughly 1,000 were injured in Lebanon in a single day the day before due to Israeli airstrikes.
Volker Türk, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, also expressed strong concern. He called "horrific" the large-scale strikes carried out without prior warning across Lebanon, including the capital, Beirut, and urged an immediate halt.
Meanwhile, Israel said it would stop attacks against Iran after the United States–Iran cease-fire took effect on the 8th, but it is continuing airstrikes while maintaining that Lebanon is not covered by the truce.