AFP reports that 18 European countries have urged Israel and Hezbollah to stop fighting as their latest conflict has reached one month, with fears over Israeli plans to control part of southern Lebanon post-war.

“Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah’s attacks must cease,” the foreign ministers of the countries, including Italy, Spain, Belgium, Poland and Ireland, said in a joint statement.

“We urge Israel to fully respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and call on all parties, both Hezbollah and Israel, to halt military action,” the statement said.