Brussels: Ten European countries and the European Union (EU) have issued a joint statement emphasizing the necessity of ensuring the safety and security of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) following the recent deaths of three peacekeepers.

According to Qatar News Agency, the foreign ministers from Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, alongside the High Representative of the European Union, collectively stated their demand for all involved parties to guarantee the safety of UNIFIL personnel and facilities under any circumstances.

The ministers expressed their strong support for the UNIFIL mission, urging all parties to maintain open de-escalation channels and condemning the recent loss of life. They emphasized the need for a safe environment for UNIFIL operations in Lebanon.

Furthermore, the statement included a call to Israel to refrain from any further conflict escalation, particularly avoiding ground operations on Lebanese territory. This plea underscores the delicate balance necessary to maintain peace in the region.

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting last night in response to the tragic incident in Lebanon, highlighting the international community's concern over the security of peacekeeping forces in the area.