The European Union (EU) on Monday expressed concern about the recent escalation along the Lebanon-Israel border area and the Israeli attacks against UN peacekeepers.

“These attacks must stop immediately,” the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said in a statement quoted by the EU delegation to Lebanon.

“Such attacks against UN peacekeepers constitute a grave violation of international law and are totally unacceptable,” said Mr Borrell.

In the statement by the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, Mr Borrell said all actors must take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel.

He added that the EU is awaiting investigations from the Israeli authorities into the attacks against the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

Mr Borrell also emphasised the need for Hezbollah to stop its attacks against Israel.

“We are also deeply concerned by Hezbollah’s continued launch of rockets into Israel that has to stop and by IDF (the Israel Defence Forces) strikes in densely populated areas of Lebanon.

“This is causing a heavy toll on civilians and the displacement of many,’’ he said, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances.

Over the past few days, Israeli forces have attacked the UN peacekeepers in Lebanon several times, causing several injuries and sparking criticism by the international community.

Since October 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border amid fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip.

(Xinhua/NAN)