European leaders warn Israel against ground offensive in Lebanon – POLITICO

The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the U.K. have urged Israel not to pursue a ground offensive in Lebanon and asked officials from the two countries to negotiate a political solution.

“A significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict. It must be averted. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including ongoing mass displacement, is already deeply alarming,” the leaders said late Monday evening in a joint statement.

Israel has launched a significant military operation in Lebanon in response to missiles fired by the Iran-backed Hezbollah amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Tehran. The Israeli bombardments have killed more than 800 people since March 3, including more than 100 children, according to local media, and displaced more than 1 million people, according to Reuters.