EU’s Borrell urges Israel and Hezbollah to uphold ceasefire

The European Union’s top diplomat has called on Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia to adhere to the agreed ceasefire.

“It is now crucial that the ceasefire holds as agreed, to guarantee the safety of people in both Lebanon and Israel, and to allow internally displaced people on both sides of the border to return to their homes,” read a statement by Josep Borrell issued on Thursday.

Borrell also demanded that the sovereignty of both states be fully respected and that cross-border attacks cease. He urged regional and international actors to actively support the ceasefire.

The diplomat assured Lebanon that the European Union would continue its humanitarian aid and support reconstruction efforts.

The ceasefire came into effect early on Wednesday morning, pausing the intense mutual attacks between Hezbollah and Israel following more than a year of warfare.

However, each side on Thursday accused the other of violations of the fragile truce.