DiEM25 strongly condemns Israel‘s brutal bombardment of Lebanon, another reckless escalation in the Middle East on behalf of the Benjamin Netanyahu regime that risks further destabilisation in an already fragile region.

This latest act of aggression, that indiscriminately affects civilians, deepens Israel’s cycle of violence and perpetuates its legacy of occupation, genocide and human suffering for the global community to see. As a movement that stands for peace, democracy, and human rights, we cannot remain silent in the face of yet another blatant disregard for international law and human lives.

The Israeli bombardment of Lebanon is the latest dark chapter in a series of disproportionate displays of force. Its ongoing genocide in Palestine over the last year has proven beyond any doubt that its willingness to commit horrific acts knows no bounds.

Again, the targeting of civilian infrastructure and densely populated areas shows Israel’s callousness and refusal for either peace or co-existence in the region – it is not only morally indefensible but also legally unacceptable. These actions exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region, pushing countless innocent people into displacement and poverty.

Much like it has done in Palestine, claiming that its reckless bombardment of densely populated areas is a specific attack on Hamas targets, Israel is now justifying its latest series of attacks on Lebanon by saying that it is merely targeting Hezbollah strongholds, when evidence clearly shows that it is laying siege to entire towns and cities in the country.

Rather than seeking a peaceful and just resolution, Israel’s government has consistently chosen the path of militarism, often with international support from the European Union and the United States.

The international community, including the EU, has a critical role to play in promoting peace rather than enabling violence. We demand the EU to stop turning a blind eye to Israeli violations of international law and to take a firm stance in support of human rights and justice. The EU must use its diplomatic and economic channels to push for an immediate end to the bombardment, the occupation, and the endless violence committed by Israel in the region for far too long.

Peace and security in the Middle East will not come through bombs and military strength. It will come through diplomacy. We remain committed to working towards that aim and stand in solidarity with the Lebanese people, as well as all others suffering from this violent escalation.

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