Israeli PM Vows Continued Strikes on Lebanon; UK, EU Foreign Ministers Call for US-Iran Ceasefire to Include Lebanon

Agence France-Presse reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that Israel would continue to strike Hezbollah in Lebanon "wherever necessary." This comes after Israel launched fierce airstrikes on Lebanon yesterday.

Netanyahu posted on social media platform X: "We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with force, precision, and determination."

He added: "Our message is very clear: anyone who acts against Israeli civilians, we will retaliate. We will continue to strike Hezbollah wherever necessary until the safety of residents in northern Israel is fully restored."

As British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in the United Arab Emirates for a visit, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said today that the UK "strongly" hopes that a Middle East ceasefire agreement will include Lebanon.

Cooper told Sky News: "We do want to see the ceasefire extended to Lebanon. I am deeply disturbed by the escalation of Israeli attacks in Lebanon yesterday."

Cooper pointed out that a large number of civilians have been displaced in Lebanon. "Therefore, we strongly hope to see the ceasefire agreement extended to Lebanon."

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said today that the ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and Iran should be extended to Lebanon, emphasizing that the Iranian-backed Lebanese organization Hezbollah must be disarmed.

Kallas posted on social media platform X: "Israel's actions are putting severe pressure on the US-Iran ceasefire. The ceasefire should be extended to Lebanon."

She also mentioned: "Israel's airstrikes last night killed hundreds of people, making it difficult to argue that such strong actions are self-defense." (Compiled by Liu Shu-chin) 1150409