Mediterranean Leaders Call for Ceasefire in Lebanon

Leaders from nine Mediterranean EU countries, meeting in Cyprus, have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East amid escalating conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as ongoing tensions in Gaza. The Med9 group, including representatives from France, Italy, and Spain, condemned Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers and urged for the swift provision of humanitarian aid to Lebanon. They emphasized the need for all parties to respect UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which is crucial for ensuring the safety of the Israeli and Lebanese populations. French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez highlighted the unacceptable nature of targeting UN troops. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mediating peace efforts in the region and addressing the humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict. Their summit underscored the importance of regional coordination in response to broader geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.