Stockholm / Beirut — Sweden has called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, warning that intensifying hostilities are putting civilians at increasing risk and threatening wider regional instability.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said her government is “deeply concerned” over the escalation, urging all parties to halt military actions and return to diplomacy.

She called on Israel to refrain from further strikes on Lebanese territory, while urging Hezbollah to stop cross-border attacks, stressing that Lebanon’s sovereignty must be respected.

The appeal comes as violence in southern Lebanon intensifies, with airstrikes, ground operations, and retaliatory fire driving up civilian casualties and forcing thousands to flee their homes.

Lebanese authorities report more than 1,100 people killed and over 3,000 injured since early March, highlighting the growing humanitarian toll.

Stenergard also emphasized the need to uphold international humanitarian law, calling for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure amid ongoing fighting.

The latest escalation is unfolding alongside broader regional tensions involving Iran, raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Sweden’s call adds to mounting international pressure for a ceasefire as global powers push for urgent de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts.