By Martin Banks

After the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Israel with Iran, the European Green Party has called for Israel to also halt violence and evacuation orders in Lebanon, and condemned what it calls “the inflammatory threats from President Trump”.

Vula Tsetsi, European Green Party co-chair said: “We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire between the US, Iran and Israel, though the inflammatory rhetoric from President Trump in the hours preceding it was shameful and irresponsible.

“However, this ceasefire will come as little comfort to civilians in the south of Lebanon who have already faced air strikes and evacuation orders in the few hours since the agreement was announced overnight. Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has denied that the deal also covers the conflict with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.”

“This war was flawed from the beginning. It was started and fought outside of international law. 

“The deaths and displacement of countless civilians on all sides have shown how little the respective leaders care for civilians. The Israeli government is establishing what it is calling a ‘security buffer zone’ just over the border in Lebanon. Israel must immediately cease operations and withdraw from Lebanon.  Under no circumstances should this be turned into a permanent occupation.”

Ciarán Cuffe European Green Party co-chair also said: “This temporary ceasefire must lead to a permanent end to this conflict.

“The EU can and should play a much more prominent role in reinstating international law. They should begin by calling out Trump and Netanyahu for contravening the norms that our international community has been built on.”

“This war is a wakeup call for Europe. Our dependence on fossil fuels from autocratic leaders is making us vulnerable. The age of petrostate dominance of international politics must come to an end. The European Union must accelerate investment in solar and wind energy, energy storage and energy efficiency in order to become more autonomous.” 

Elsewhere, senior political leaders have issued a joint statement.

It said, “We welcome the two-week ceasefire concluded between the United States and Iran. We thank Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating this important agreement.The goal must now be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war within the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic means.

“We strongly encourage quick progress towards a substantive negotiated settlement. This will be crucial to protect the civilian population of Iran and ensure security in the region. It can avert a severe global energy crisis.We support these diplomatic efforts. To this end, we are in close contact with the United States and other partners.We call upon all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.Our Governments will contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

The statement was issued by French president Macron,UK Prime Minister Meloni, German Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, plus Prime Ministers Carney, Frederiksen,  Jetten and Sanchez, along with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, EU council President Antonio Costa.