Sweden: Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard on Friday called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, voicing concern over escalating hostilities and urging all parties to respect international law.
According to Anadolu Agency, Stenergard used US social media company X to express her concerns, stating, "I am deeply concerned about escalation of hostilities in Lebanon. Today I have underlined Sweden's support and solidarity to Lebanon to my counterpart @YoussefRaggi. The Lebanese people deserve peace and security." She stressed the urgency of a ceasefire, urging Israel to halt further attacks on Lebanese territory and calling on Hezbollah to immediately stop its attacks against Israel. Stenergard highlighted the importance of respecting Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Stenergard further emphasized the need to uphold legal protections, stating, "International law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected." Her remarks come in response to the ongoing conflict where Israel has launched airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. Lebanese authorities report that at least 1,116 people have been killed and 3,229 injured in Israeli attacks since then.
The escalation in Lebanon coincides with a joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran, which has resulted in more than 1,340 deaths since February 28. In retaliation, Tehran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and US bases in Gulf countries.