The escalation of violence that has been unfolding in Lebanon for weeks has sparked growing international concern for the protection of civilians and for security and stability. 

It is within this scenario that the joint statement on the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, signed by the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, is set. 

The signatories strongly condemn the escalation of violence and point out that the Israeli offensive could have devastating humanitarian consequences and protract the conflict.

The statement emphasises that all parties must comply with international humanitarian law, reiterating the obligation to protect civilians and to take all possible measures to minimise civilian casualties.

The signatory States urge Hezbollah to cease its attacks and call on Israel to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and international law, refraining from actions that could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and jeopardise the achievement of a diplomatic solution.

Finally, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Germany have expressed their commitment to supporting humanitarian aid for the Lebanese people.

Against this backdrop of serious violations of international humanitarian law and growing concern over the humanitarian crisis, this joint statement reflects an effort to promote a coordinated response focused on the protection of civilians and crisis management.

According to Lebanese authorities, at least 886 civilians, including 111 children, have been killed since March 2. Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing airstrikes and evacuation orders, losing access to healthcare and food. Civilians from affected areas are now living in overcrowded conditions and makeshift shelters. 

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has reported an increase in discrimination against displaced populations and emphasised that evacuation orders do not comply with international law. In this regard, it reaffirmed the duty to distinguish between military targets and civilians and civilian objects, as deliberately targeting the latter constitutes a war crime.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, calling for all those responsible to be held accountable and urging the international community to support humanitarian aid in Lebanon.