Canada, France, Germany, and UK warn against major Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon

(Patria) - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom said in a joint statement on Monday that a "significant Israeli ground offensive" in Lebanon must be prevented because it could have devastating humanitarian consequences, Reuters reported.

Lebanon was drawn into the war after the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah opened fire on Israel. Hezbollah said it was in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the United States and Israel's war against Iran.

Israel responded with an offensive in which more than 880 people were killed in Lebanon. According to Lebanese authorities, more than a million people have been displaced from their homes, and more than 130,000 are living in collective shelters. Israel has threatened devastation in Lebanon on the scale of Gaza.

"A significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a prolonged conflict," the statement from Canada, France, the UK, Germany, and Italy said.

"This must be prevented. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including ongoing mass displacement, is already deeply alarming."

The statement said the countries support the Lebanese government's efforts to disarm Hezbollah.

"We are deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Lebanon and call for meaningful engagement by Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution."

"We strongly support initiatives to facilitate negotiations and call for an immediate de-escalation."