Qatar, Germany and UK Condemn Israel’s Expanded Attacks in Lebanon

Israeli military has expanded its large-scale ground operations in southern Lebanon. The expansion of Israel’s attacks has drawn condemnation from several nations. Al Jazeera reported on Monday, 1 June 2026, that officials from several countries issued statements in response to Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, including Qatar, Germany, and the UK. Qatar condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Lebanon and the expansion of its ground operations in the south. Qatar deemed the military campaign a serious escalation and a violation of international law. In a post on X, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s ongoing aggression against Lebanon, the expansion of the occupying army’s ground invasion in the south, and targeting of civilians. Qatar described the move as a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and international humanitarian law. The Qatari foreign ministry also called on the international community to act, urging governments and international bodies to pressure Israel to halt its attacks and comply with international law. “The international community must compel the Israeli occupation authorities to cease their repeated aggression against Lebanon,” the statement added. Germany expressed similar concerns over the expansion of Israel’s ground operations, warning that further military escalation could worsen the already volatile situation. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Israel’s deeper incursion into Lebanon had raised serious concerns. “Israeli military advances further into southern Lebanon are a cause for serious concern,” he said. “Further escalation would exacerbate the tense situation and trigger new refugee flows in Lebanon,” he added. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also criticised Israel, stating that it had “eroded space for diplomacy” in Lebanon. “Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon has killed and displaced civilians, destroyed infrastructure, and eroded space for diplomacy. This must end,” she said in an X post. Cooper also called on Hezbollah to disarm and cease attacks on Israel. “All parties must respect the ceasefire and engage in negotiations in good faith,” she added. It is known that the Israeli military has expanded its large-scale ground operations in southern Lebanon. Israel claims the attacks are aimed at combating the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. “A large number of IDF ground troops have launched an offensive operation to expand the Forward Defence Line… The operation is now extending into additional areas,” the Israeli military stated, adding that its forces had crossed the Litani River, according to AFP on Sunday, 31 May. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces had crossed Lebanon’s Litani River, which flows about 30 kilometres north of the shared border, on Friday.