Leaders of EU states in Mediterranean say ceasefire in Middle East is needed, now

Leaders of nine European Union member states in the Mediterranean on Friday called for an immediate ceasefire after a sharp escalation in conflict between Israel and forces of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"Amid the backdrop of the conflict in Gaza in the broader region, we express our deep concern at the escalation of a military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah," a statement from EU leaders attending a summit, known as MED9, read after meeting in Cyprus.

"We seek an immediate ceasefire throughout the Blue Line and the timely dispatch of humanitarian aid to Lebanon," leaders including France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal said in a joint statement, referring to a UN mapped demarcation line separating Lebanon from Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted one year ago when the Iranian...