EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed the US-Israel-Lebanon framework agreement as a “critical step” away from conflict in the Middle East, AFP reports.

“I welcome the agreement between Israel and Lebanon. This is a critical step away from escalation. Because there can be no peace in the Middle East with Lebanon in flames,” she says in a statement posted on X, thanking Washington for its mediation role.

“Key next steps are the disarmament of non-state groups and preserving Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she stresses.

Von der Leyen adds that “the EU stands ready to support this path to lasting regional stability, also with the continued delivery of much-needed humanitarian aidm with €100 million mobilised for the displaced.”