ANKARA

European Council President Antonio Costa called Wednesday for an immediate halt to hostilities in Lebanon and the protection of civilians, describing the situation there as “appalling,” citing more than 1.3 million internally displaced people.

Costa said on the US social media company X’s platform that he spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to convey the European Union’s condolences and support.

“I spoke with President Aoun to express the EU’s condolences for the loss of civilian lives and our solidarity and support for Lebanon and its people,” he said.

He also welcomed Lebanon’s stance regarding the Hezbollah group.

“Lebanon made the right decision to ban Hezbollah’s military activities,” he said, adding that the group “must cease its attacks immediately.”

“Israel should stop its military operations and engage in direct talks with the Lebanese authorities,” he added.

Costa further emphasized the importance of international law and the protection of civilians.

“All parties must respect international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he stressed.

Israel has pounded Lebanon with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2.

Lebanese authorities say at least 1,072 people have since been killed and 2,966 injured in Israeli attacks.

The current escalation came amid a joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran which has killed more than 1,340 people since Feb. 28.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries, saying they are aimed at US military assets.