European Union 'extremely' concerned by Lebanon escalation

The European Union is "extremely concerned" about an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Lebanese group Hezbollah, and is calling for an "urgent" ceasefire, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Sunday.

"The European Union is extremely concerned about an escalation in Lebanon after the attacks Friday in Beirut," Borrell said in a statement, calling for a "ceasefire" along the demarcation line separating them, "as well as in Gaza".

He was referring to an Israeli strike on Friday on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital that killed 16 Hezbollah fighters and around 30 other civilians.

Borrell will be attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week alongside many global leaders.

"Civilians on both sides are paying a high price," he added.

"They will also be the ones suffering once again the most in a full-blown war that must be averted, including by renewed intense diplomatic mediation efforts," said Borrell.

Reporting by AFP