Russia on Tuesday called on Israel to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, warning that the attack would lead to a further escalation of violence in the Middle East.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement: “Russia strongly condemns the attack on Lebanon and calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw their troops from Lebanese territory and genuinely seek peaceful means to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.

Israel launched raids into Lebanon and said special forces and paratroopers were part of a ground incursion.