Norwegian, Lebanese FMs meet after Israel escalates attacks

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide wrote on X that he had met his Lebanese counterpart  Abdallah Bou Habib.

Eide described the recent Israeli assaults, including attacks via personal communication devices, as “a serious escalation and a new form of warfare,” expressing his sympathy for the people of Lebanon.

In the past week, Israel has significantly intensified its attacks on Lebanon, claiming strikes on 400 targets in the southern region just yesterday.

“To avoid further escalation, we need a ceasefire in Gaza now,” Barth Eide stated.

Israel contends that its intensified actions aim to compel Hezbollah to cease its attacks on northern Israel, which Hezbollah's leader has indicated will occur once Israel halts its offensive on the Gaza Strip.