Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, Russia and Spain have joined the chorus of international voices calling for an immediate end to hostilities in Lebanon. Both countries have urged Israel to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon after the Israeli military launched a ground incursion against Hezbollah militants.
The Israeli offensive, which follows a week of intense airstrikes on Lebanon, has drawn condemnation from the international community. The airstrikes, which have resulted in hundreds of casualties, included the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week. The Kremlin, which has close ties with Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, has expressed deep concerns about the escalating conflict.
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement condemning the Israeli attack on Lebanon and calling for an immediate ceasefire and troop withdrawal. The statement further emphasized Russia’s solidarity with Lebanon and its people.
Similarly, Spain, which currently commands the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has also called for an end to the ground incursion. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares expressed worry about the potential for further escalation and stressed the need for a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza.
The ground incursion, which commenced on Tuesday, involved Israeli paratroopers, commandos, and armored units engaging in intense fighting with Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon. The operation aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure and leadership, following the devastating airstrikes that have crippled the group’s capabilities.
While condemning the Israeli ground operation, Spain has also condemned Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israeli territory. Albares reiterated that the only path to peace in the Middle East lies in compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
With the situation in the region spiraling out of control, the international community is urging all parties to engage in dialogue and prioritize peaceful solutions to resolve the ongoing conflict.
