Germany warns of ‘further escalation’ amid Israel’s ongoing ceasefire violations in Lebanon

BERLIN

Germany on Monday warned of “further escalation” amid Israel’s continued ceasefire violations in Lebanon.

“We have taken note of reports … about an attack on Beirut. In general, I can say that we have repeatedly emphasized, and continue to emphasize, that a politically negotiated solution, which presupposes the disarmament of Hezbollah, can bring about lasting peace between Lebanon and Israel,” Martin Giese, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, said at a media briefing in Berlin.

“Such solutions must both serve Israel's security interests and respect Lebanese security and territorial sovereignty. Therefore, we call on all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and exercise restraint. The only important thing is that further escalation is prevented…," he added.

Giese’s remarks came shortly after an Israeli strike killed five people and injured 28 others in southern Beirut. Israel claimed that the attack targeted Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Ali Tabatabai.

Israel has carried out multiple strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut since the ceasefire came into effect.

Tensions in southern Lebanon have been mounting for weeks, with the Israeli military intensifying near-daily air raids inside Lebanese territory, claiming to target Hezbollah members and infrastructure.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, at least 331 people have been killed and 945 injured by Israeli fire since the ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27, 2024. The UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) also reported more than 10,000 Israeli air and ground violations.