(MENAFN) Germany issued a warning Monday about the risk of “further escalation” as reports continue to emerge of Israeli violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon, according to statements made at a government briefing.

Martin Giese, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, referenced accounts of a strike on Beirut, stressing that Berlin has consistently maintained that only a political settlement — one that includes the disarmament of Hezbollah — can pave the way for lasting peace between Israel and Lebanon. “Such solutions must both serve Israel's security interests and respect Lebanese security and territorial sovereignty. Therefore, we call on all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and exercise restraint. The only important thing is that further escalation is prevented…," he said.

His comments followed an Israeli strike in southern Beirut that left five people dead and 28 injured. Israel said the attack was aimed at Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Ali Tabatabai.

Since the ceasefire took effect, Israel has launched several attacks on Beirut’s southern neighborhoods. Tensions across southern Lebanon have steadily risen for weeks as the Israeli military continues near-daily airstrikes inside Lebanese territory, claiming to target Hezbollah personnel and infrastructure.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, at least 331 people have been killed and 945 wounded by Israeli fire since the Nov. 27, 2024 ceasefire began. The UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) has also documented more than 10,000 Israeli air and ground violations during that period.

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