The leaders of the nine Mediterranean European Union (EU) countries, known as Med9, called for immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and urged resumption of diplomatic efforts to address the

Leaders of nine European Union member states in the Mediterranean on Friday called for an immediate ceasefire after a sharp escalation in conflict between Israel and forces of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

At the conclusion of the 11th Med9 Summit, held in the western Cypriot city of Paphos, the leaders said in a declaration that the unfolding situation in the Middle East is gravely alarming, demanding an immediate ceasefire.