The EU statement came after Hezbollah launched 19 rockets towards Israel on Friday, some near the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. They came 24 hours after a targeted strike by the Israeli Defense Forces on terrorist infrastructure in Southern Lebanon in response to three Grad rockets fired at Israel on Wednesday.

 

The European Union has ‘’strongly’’ condemned the firing of rockets from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel and the Golan Heights including those for which the “Islamic Resistance” has claimed responsibility.

In a statement, the EU’s External Service spokesperson said: ‘’The European Union is following closely the developments that ensued over the last days, including the artillery and air strikes response by Israel. It is crucial for all parties to exercise utmost restraint and work towards a quick resolution of the current tensions.’’

The EU statement came after Hezbollah launched 19 rockets towards Israel on Friday, some near the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. They came 24 hours after a targeted strike by the Israeli Defense Forces on terrorist infrastructure in Southern Lebanon in response to three Grad rockets fired at Israel on Wednesday.

‘’The relevant UN Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701 must be fully respected,’’ the EU spokesperson said.

The European Union reiterated its ‘’full support to UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon) efforts and the importance of Lebanon’s commitment to a policy of disassociation from all regional conflicts, in line with the Baabda Declaration.’’

The U.S. State Department also ‘’strongly’’ condemned Hezbollah’s launching of rockets towards Israel.

“This violence puts Israelis and Lebanese at risk, and jeopardizes Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

He added that the United States is engaged with Israeli and Lebanese officials, as well as the Lebanese Armed Forces.

“We call upon the Lebanese government urgently to prevent such attacks and bring the area under its control,” said Price. “We also urge the Lebanese government to facilitate full access for UNIFI peacekeepers in accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. We strongly encourage all efforts to maintain calm.”