Western powers warn Israeli ground op in Lebanon would bring 'devastating consequences'

Five Western nations issued a stark warning Monday that a major Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon would trigger "devastating humanitarian consequences" and potentially ignite a protracted regional conflict. The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom expressed "grave concern" over the escalating violence in Lebanon and the wider Middle East, urging all parties to immediately pursue de-escalation.

Calls to avert ground operation

In their joint statement, the leaders cautioned that a large-scale ground operation "must be averted" as it risks worsening an already dire humanitarian situation and triggering long-term instability. The warning came after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed early Monday that the army has begun a ground offensive in Lebanon, following expanded airstrikes across the country, including the capital Beirut, that began March 2. The military campaign has so far killed more than 800 people, including women and children, and displaced nearly one million from their homes.

Protection of civilians demanded

The statement underscored that attacks targeting civilians, health workers, infrastructure, and UN personnel are "unacceptable." The five nations called on Israeli and Lebanese representatives to engage in meaningful negotiations and to act in line with international humanitarian law. "The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including ongoing mass displacement, is already deeply alarming," the leaders noted, emphasizing that further escalation would compound the suffering.

Support for Resolution 1701

The Western powers also reiterated their support for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the 2006 framework aimed at stabilizing the Lebanon-Israel border region and disarming Hezbollah. Their joint appeal comes amid heightened tensions following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah, itself a response to the ongoing joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran that began Feb. 28. The leaders expressed strong support for initiatives to facilitate talks and urged all parties to step back from the brink of wider war.