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The European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, urged Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah, saying all Israeli security concerns had been taken into account in the agreement negotiated by the United States and France. Speaking at a G7 meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, Borrell warned of the dramatic consequences of a failure of negotiations: “If the ceasefire is not implemented, Lebanon will collapse. »
Proposals of the ceasefire agreement
The agreement, under the supervision of a committee chaired by the United States with the participation of France, provides for a cessation of hostilities and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli and Hezbollah forces from border areas south of the Litani River. In return, the Lebanese army, reinforced by additional troops, would take charge of the security of this region with the support of UNIFIL. However, Israel demands to retain the right to strike in the event of violations by Hezbollah, a condition denounced by Lebanon as an attack on its sovereignty.
A heavy human toll and persistent tensions
Since the start of the clashes, Israeli bombings have left more than 3,500 dead and 15,000 injured in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. On the Israeli side, around 90 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians were killed by rocket fire and during ground fighting. The war, which broke out after Hamas attacks in October 2023, has degenerated into an all-out conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, an armed group supported by Iran.
Borrell stressed that the current situation is exacerbated by extremist elements within the Israeli government, who are blocking negotiations. Some cabinet members, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, strongly oppose any deal with Hezbollah.
Diplomatic and humanitarian issues
The G7, expanded to include the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, also discussed the regional implications of the conflict. Josep Borrell proposed that the United Nations Security Council adopt a resolution to guarantee humanitarian aid to civilian populations, particularly in Gaza, where deliveries are completely interrupted.
Borrell also discussed the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Benjamin Netanyahu, which he defended as an essential step for international justice. This issue nevertheless divides G7 members, with some, like the United States, rejecting these mandates as “scandalous”.
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