Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Threatens Full-Fledged War, EU Warns
In a stark warning, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell cautioned that the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could spiral into a devastating war.
Borrell’s remarks came after an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he stressed the urgent need for strong diplomatic mediation efforts to prevent a catastrophic outcome.
Deadly Israeli Airstrikes Leave Hundreds Dead
According to Borrell, Monday’s Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 500 people and left 4,400 others injured. The high number of casualties indicates a disregard for the impact on civilians, he noted.
Describing the attacks as a mix of targeted and random strikes, Borrell emphasized the devastating consequences for innocent civilians who are being forced to bear an “unacceptable price”. He warned that an escalation in the conflict poses a grave threat to the entire region.
Call for Ceasefire and UN Resolution Implementation
Borrell stressed the importance of initiating a ceasefire in Gaza and implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006 to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. He criticized the Security Council’s failure to enforce the resolution, expressing concerns about its legitimacy.
European Parliament President Advocates for Multilateralism
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted the significance of multilateralism in a world grappling with increasing political and communal fragmentation. She underscored the need for compromise without compromising core values to find common ground.
Russia’s Arms Supply to Ukraine Raises Alarms
Borrell raised alarms about Russia allegedly receiving arms from Iran, including missiles that have encroached on EU member states’ territory. He commended Ukraine for targeting and destroying Russian ammunition depots, emphasizing the G7’s discussions on Kyiv’s potential use of long-range weapons.
Expressing support for Ukraine, Borrell emphasized the EU’s crucial role in providing military and economic assistance, particularly in the face of Russia’s attempts to disrupt Ukraine’s energy supply.
UN General Assembly Focuses on Peace and Sustainable Development
This year’s UN General Assembly high-level debate revolves around the theme of “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations,” as reported by Euronews.
