Borrell Calls for ‘Immediate Ceasefire’ in Hezbollah-Israel Conflict

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has called for an “immediate ceasefire” in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah during his visit to Beirut for discussions. Since September 23, Israel has significantly ramped up its airstrikes in Lebanon and deployed ground troops, following months of limited clashes initiated by Hezbollah, which was acting in support of Hamas after the October 7, 2023 attack that ignited the Gaza conflict.

Borrell emphasized that the only viable solution was an immediate ceasefire and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution, which ended the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war, mandates that only Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers should be stationed in southern Lebanon, a region heavily influenced by Hezbollah. It also calls for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Reflecting on the situation, Borrell remarked that when he visited in September, he had hoped to avoid a full-scale war. However, two months later, Lebanon is nearing collapse. He added that the European Union is prepared to offer 200 million euros to support Lebanon’s army, which is vital for securing the border as part of ceasefire negotiations.

Efforts to broker a ceasefire are being led by France and the United States, with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein visiting both Lebanon and Israel this week to discuss a ceasefire plan based on Resolution 1701. Borrell stressed the need to apply pressure on both the Israeli government and Hezbollah to accept the proposed ceasefire.