Spain Calls for Immediate Ceasefire as Israel Escalates Ground Offensive in Lebanon
Spain has voiced urgent concerns regarding Israel's ongoing ground offensive in Lebanon, which commenced on Tuesday morning. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares emphasized the need to halt these military actions, citing alarming reports concerning the humanitarian situation on the ground.
The conflict has escalated significantly, with the United Nations also advising against a full-scale ground invasion. Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva, warned that such an invasion could lead to increased suffering for civilians, who have already borne the brunt of violence in the region. Throssell noted that prior to the ground assault, Israeli airstrikes had reportedly resulted in over 1,000 deaths in Lebanon within a mere two weeks, according to information from Lebanon's Ministry of Health.
Albares reiterated Spain's stance during a press briefing, stating, "We are receiving very concerning information and insist that the attacks on land be stopped." He expressed fear that a prolonged ground offensive could further escalate the ongoing conflict, spilling over and destabilizing the region even more. While condemning the actions of Hezbollah—specifically its rocket attacks on Israeli territory—Albares stressed the necessity for all parties to adhere to humanitarian law to ensure the protection of civilians.
This worrying increase in hostilities follows a series of incidents that have witnessed intense clashes between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in South Lebanon. Israeli military sources describe the offensive as limited, while they respond to heightened tensions that have built up over the last several weeks. Hezbollah has notably ramped up its assaults on Israeli positions since October 7 of the previous year, following a significant attack by the Palestinian militia Hamas against Israel.
The Spaniard foreign minister's comments add to a growing international chorus calling for de-escalation and peace talks as both sides continue to engage in open conflict. In times of rising military tensions, it is essential that the focus remains on protecting innocent civilians and seeking a peaceful resolution to this enduring struggle in the Middle East.
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