Borrell urges ceasefire following Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on Thursday condemned Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon's Bekaa, Baalbek, Nasriya, and areas near the Beirut airport, expressing dismay over the attacks, reported Xinhua.

"We call once again for an immediate ceasefire & symmetrical implementation of UNSCR 1701," Borrell said in a statement on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Referring to the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, which sought to resolve the 2006 Lebanon War, Borrell called for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

As Israel continues airstrikes on Lebanon, more than 55 people were killed and over 50 injured in a series of 33 airstrikes targeting towns and villages in the Bekaa and Baalbek regions in eastern Lebanon on Wednesday, Lebanon's National News Agency and local media reported.

Earlier on Thursday, Borrell congratulated Gideon Saar for assuming the role of Israel's new foreign minister, succeeding Israel Katz, who has transitioned to the position of defense minister.

In a post on X, Borrell conveyed his hope that these appointments would contribute to "breaking the downward spiral of conflict, violence, and insecurity for the entire region."

Since September, the Israeli military has intensified air strikes on Lebanon, which it said target Hezbollah positions.