European foreign ministers on Wednesday called for direct political negotiations between Lebanon and Israel as the only viable path to ending the ongoing conflict, while reaffirming strong support for the Lebanese government and its efforts to restore State authority.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom, along with the European Union’s High Representative, said diplomacy was essential to achieving a lasting resolution.

“We call for direct political negotiation between Lebanon and Israel, that can contribute to putting a durable end to this conflict and set the conditions for peaceful regional coexistence,” the statement said.

The ministers voiced full backing for Lebanon’s leadership, describing its recent decisions as “historic and courageous,” and stressed that strengthening state institutions was key to shielding the country from external interference.

“There is no other way to preserve Lebanon from foreign interference than by strengthening its State, its institutions and sovereignty,” they said.

At the same time, the statement placed responsibility for the current escalation on Hezbollah, condemning its attacks against Israel carried out “in support of Iran,” and calling for an immediate halt.

“The responsibility for this situation lies with Hezbollah. We strongly condemn Hezbollah’s attacks… which must cease immediately,” the ministers said, warning that preventing further regional escalation involving Iran must remain a priority.

The European officials urged all sides to de-escalate and return to the cessation of hostilities framework under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, while emphasizing the need to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.

“We call on all parties to immediately deescalate… and for the protection of the civilian population, humanitarian personnel, peacekeepers, and civilian infrastructure, including airports, ports and bridges,” the statement said.

They also expressed concern over the humanitarian toll of the conflict, noting that more than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon, and pledged continued support for relief efforts.

“We stand determined to continue to support the Lebanese government in providing humanitarian assistance… and call on the entire international community to participate in this vital effort,” they said.

The ministers warned against any expansion of Israeli military operations, particularly a ground offensive in Lebanon, while reaffirming the country’s territorial integrity.

“We call on Israel to avoid a further widening of the conflict including through a ground operation on Lebanese territory,” the statement said.

In parallel, the European officials reiterated their backing for Lebanon’s plan to reassert full state control, including over weapons, and pledged support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and security services through an international assistance conference once conditions permit.

They also urged Beirut to continue implementing financial and economic reforms in line with International Monetary Fund requirements to strengthen long-term stability.

Finally, the statement reaffirmed strong support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), condemning recent attacks on peacekeepers and calling for their protection.

“We strongly condemn all recent attacks on UNIFIL contingents… and urge all parties to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel,” the ministers said, praising the mission’s “remarkable work” under difficult conditions.