EU Leaders Welcome U.S.-Brokered 10-Day Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire and Pledge Humanitarian Aid

BRUSSELS, April 16 (Reuters) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday welcomed a U.S.-mediated 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, calling the pause a necessary relief after weeks of deadly clashes and urging full respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"I welcome the announced 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by President Trump. This is a relief, as this conflict has already claimed far too many lives," von der Leyen wrote on X.

"Europe will continue to call for the full respect of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. And we will keep supporting the Lebanese people through substantial humanitarian aid," she added.

The announcement was also praised by the European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, who said the ceasefire must be confirmed by both parties and used to step back from violence and create space for longer-term negotiations.

"A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will urgently halt hostilities and provide the needed relief for civilians who have suffered a great deal over the last few weeks. We hope both parties will confirm this ceasefire. It must be used now to step back from the violence and to create space for negotiations for a more lasting peace," Kallas said, speaking while on a trip to Morocco.

Both EU leaders emphasized that the pause should be followed by increased humanitarian access and support for civilians affected by the fighting. European institutions say they will continue coordinating substantial aid to Lebanon while pressing for respect of its territorial integrity.

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Toby Chopra and Lili Bayer)