Pakistan, UK, France, Spain condemn Israeli strikes on Lebanon

ISLAMABAD/LONDON/PARIS: Pakistan, along with the United Kingdom, Spain and other countries, on Thursday condemned Israeli strikes on Lebanon, as diplomatic pressure mounted to extend a fragile ceasefire in the region to include Lebanese territory and prevent further escalation.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office denounced what it called ongoing Israeli aggression, saying the strikes had caused civilian deaths and widespread destruction of infrastructure, while undermining international efforts to stabilise the Middle East.

The statement called the attacks a violation of international law and urged the global community to take “urgent and concrete steps” to halt the violence. Pakistan reiterated its “unwavering solidarity” with Lebanon and reaffirmed support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The criticism came as European countries also voiced concern over Israel’s military actions.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Israel’s “pounding of Lebanon” was “deeply damaging” and risked destabilising the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.

“We want to see Lebanon included in the ceasefire,” Cooper told Times Radio, adding that extending the truce was necessary to avoid a broader regional crisis.

“That escalation that we saw from Israel yesterday was deeply damaging, and we want to see an end to hostilities,” she said.

France also expressed concern over the escalation, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemning what he described as “massive” Israeli strikes and warning that Lebanon must be covered under the ceasefire arrangement between Washington and Tehran.

Barrot said he expected Iran to make concessions in the upcoming talks in Pakistan, including abandoning efforts to develop nuclear weapons, curbing its missile and drone capabilities, and reducing support for regional groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.

He also called for reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, underscoring broader international concerns over regional security and energy flows.

Cooper, meanwhile, said Britain was working with other countries to help stabilise the region and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while acknowledging tensions with the United States over its approach to the conflict.

She said some rhetoric used by U.S. President Donald Trump, including threats toward Iran, had been “dangerous” and risked further escalation.

The latest round of strikes on Lebanon has intensified fears of a wider regional war, even as efforts continue to uphold a ceasefire between the United States and Iran brokered with Pakistan’s involvement.

Diplomats say extending the ceasefire to include Lebanon is now seen as critical to preventing further spillover of violence, as tensions remain high across the Middle East.