Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on the European Union to intensify pressure on Israel to secure a comprehensive ceasefire and halt attacks in southern Lebanon. During talks in Beirut with European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, Aoun stressed that European support for Lebanon should include efforts to compel Israel to end military operations, stop targeting civilians, medics, journalists, and civil defense teams, and cease demolitions in southern villages.
According to Qatar News Agency, Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to a full ceasefire as a pathway toward negotiations aimed at stabilizing the south, redeploying the Lebanese army to the international border, securing the release of Lebanese detainees, and enabling displaced residents to return home. Aoun also highlighted the heavy human and material toll of the conflict, noting that nearly one million people have been displaced.
For her part, Lahbib reiterated the EU's political and humanitarian backing for Lebanon, revealing that the bloc has mobilized more than £3.5 billion in aid since 2011, including over £100 million in emergency assistance following recent escalations and displacement waves.
Separately, Aoun met UN Deputy Special Coordinator Imran Riza to review ongoing humanitarian operations and growing relief needs amid the worsening crisis.