Europe condemns Israeli attacks and pushes for moderation in the conflict with Hezbollah

Israel's recent attacks have increased tensions in the Middle East, in addition to generating new international criticism. Several European countries condemned Israel for the bombing of one of the United Nations bases in southern Lebanon, which took place this week. The attack, which left UN troops and civilians dead and injured in the area, intensified the already delicate scenario of clashes between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.

Reactions from European leaders

The European Union expressed its concern over the incident. Countries such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom were some of those that officially spoke out, calling for moderation and respect for international humanitarian law. German Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer spoke to reporters on Monday (14), “The bombing of German peacekeepers UN and intrusion into its bases are in no way acceptable.” According to him, all parties involved in the conflict “are obliged to direct their combat operations exclusively against military targets of the other party to the conflict”.

Netanyahu maintains firm stance

Despite international criticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded forcefully, stating that the country will continue its attacks on Hezbollah “without mercy”.

Embed from Getty Images

_{Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference in Jerusalem on September 2, 2024. (Photo: reproduction/OHAD ZWIGENBERG / POOL / AFP/ Getty Images Embed)}

Netanyahu also suggested that the UN withdraw its forces from the region, claiming that “cannot guarantee safety” of its troops while Hezbollah uses civilian areas as a shield. Pedro Sánchez, head of the Spanish government, whose country has soldiers with the UN peacekeeping corps, declared that “there will be no withdrawal from Unifil”, a statement that was confirmed by the UN.

Diplomatic pressure

Israel has been under diplomatic pressure to stop the conflict. Amid rising tensions, the international community has been searching for a solution that would prevent an even greater tragedy, but the confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah appears far from a peaceful resolution, especially with hostilities extending to UN bases, which have been key to maintain relative stabilityin the region.

Featured photo Spanish soldiers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) (Reproduction/AFP/Getty Images Embed)