World states react to Israel’s offensive in Lebanon

World leaders, governments and global bodies have expressed concern about Israel’s aggressive offensive in Lebanon, warning of the potential for a wider regional conflict.

The Israeli military said its troops were locked in fierce clashes in Lebanon on Tuesday.

Israel says its ground troops have entered southern Lebanon but Hezbollah denies it.

Lebanon’s interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned that his country is facing “one of the most dangerous phases of its history.”

The prime minister urged the United Nations to provide aid for one million people displaced by Israel’s attacks over recent weeks.

“We urgently call for more aid to reinforce our ongoing efforts to provide basic support to displaced civilians,” Mikati said in a meeting with the UN representatives.

The United Nations’ peacekeeping force said Israel is violating Lebanon’s "sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Israel’s claim of entering southern Lebanon is ‘false,’ Hezbollah says

The Lebanese resistance movement says its fighters are ready for a “direct confrontation” if Israeli troops enter.

Liz Throssell, spokeswoman for the UN rights office, warned against “a large-scale ground invasion” that would only result in “greater suffering”.

Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi warned that “aggression on Lebanon will inflict the worst”.

“Now more than ever, it needs our unwavering support to safeguard the country’s integrity and security. Standing with the brotherly people of Lebanon is not just a moral duty, but an imperative necessity.”

The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its unwavering position towards the unity of Lebanon. 

"The UAE reaffirmed its unwavering position towards the unity of Lebanon, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the country’s steadfast support for the people of Lebanon during this challenging period."

“The United Arab Emirates expressed its deep concern over developments in Lebanon, as well as the repercussions of this dangerous situation and impact on regional stability.” 

Saudi Arabia has also been closely monitoring developments in Lebanon, underscoring the importance of preserving the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement by its foreign ministry, the kingdom confirmed its solidarity with the Lebanese people.

“The Kingdom calls on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards protecting regional peace and security to spare the region and its people the dangers and tragedies of wars,” the statement read.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry denounced Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon as an “unlawful invasion attempt” and called for the withdrawal of its troops.

“This attack must end as soon as possible and Israeli soldiers must withdraw from Lebanese territory,” the statement read. 

It urged the UN Security Council to “comply with international law and take the necessary measures.”

“As a result of this dangerous invasion attempt, it is highly likely that a new wave of migration will emerge and extremists will gain ground all over the world,” the ministry said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has already accused Israel of committing a “genocide” in Lebanon.

“Lebanon and the Lebanese people are the latest target of a policy of genocide, occupation, and invasion carried out by Israel since October 7,” Erdogan said.

Russia warned that “the geography of hostilities is expanding, which is further destabilizing the region and increasing tensions”.

Hezbollah says it attacked Israel using ‘Nour Missile’ for first time

A Hezbollah statement said the missile was fired it in response to “Israeli violations of cities, villages, and civilians.”

The Japanese government urged an immediate ceasefire and maximum restraint to prevent a further escalation of the conflict.

Spain demanded that Israel cease its ground raids to avoid the conflict enveloping the region. Italy, president of the Group of Seven, said it would continue working towards de-escalation.

NATO’s new chief Mark Rutte said he is “following closely what is happening in Lebanon” and expressed hope that “hostilities will end as soon as possible”.

UK Foreign Minister David Lammy warned that the price of a regional war would be huge. 

While voices from across the world  urged a ceasefire and a step back from the brink of all-out war, Washington declared the “limited” ground offensive into southern Lebanon as “Israel’s right to defend itself”.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he had told Yoav Gallant of Israel that Washington agrees on the need for a ground offensive.

Israel reportedly launched the incursion on Monday night, after more than a week of intense airstrikes on the capital, Beirut, and southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military claims its ground invasion aims to push Hezbollah north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the Lebanese border.

UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force, has warned that “any crossing into Lebanon is in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a violation of resolution 1701.”

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