FRANKFURT: Germany on Saturday emphasized the “urgent need” for measures to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East as Israel’s conflict with Hamas threatens to extend to Lebanon.
Recent Israeli airstrikes and other attacks have resulted in numerous casualties in Lebanon since Tuesday, with Hezbollah and Israeli forces exchanging increased cross-border fire since the Gaza war erupted on October 7 last year.
The German foreign ministry stated on X that there is a pressing need for concrete actions to defuse the situation and prevent further civilian harm.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has been in contact with her Israeli and Lebanese counterparts to discuss potential steps forward.
The German government expressed deep concern over the escalating violence but stressed that such a situation is not “inevitable.”
A government spokesman highlighted that “a diplomatic solution to the conflict must be possible.” Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s office warned that a broader regional conflict would have dire and lasting consequences for the entire population in the region, leading to “catastrophic” destruction.
