UK among countries to issue Israel warning over ‘deeply alarming’ Lebanon offensive

WorldPolitics
17 Mar 2026 • 7:55 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A joint statement from the UK, Canada, France, Germany and Italy has warned of "devastating humanitarian consequences" should a ground offensive occur in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon.
  • The leaders highlighted the situation is already "deeply alarming", with over one million people displaced.
  • A statement on Monday read: “We are gravely concerned by the escalating violence in Lebanon and call for meaningful engagement by Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution.”
  • It added: “We strongly support initiatives to facilitate talks and urge for immediate de-escalation.”
  • The countries also condemned Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and on its decision to join Iran in ongoing war.