Eu condemns Kabul hospital strike as deadly escalation, calls for ceasefire

Wednesday 18 March 2026 - 12:01

The European Union has strongly condemned a recent attack on a medical facility in Kabul, describing the incident as a dangerous escalation in the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In an official statement, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and crisis management commissioner Hadja Lahbib stressed that hospitals and civilian infrastructure must never be targeted under any circumstances. They reiterated that such facilities are protected by international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions.

The EU urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and to take concrete measures to prevent civilian casualties. The statement emphasized the importance of de-escalation and the urgent need to protect innocent lives caught in the conflict.

According to Afghan authorities, the strike reportedly hit a major treatment center in Kabul, resulting in significant casualties. However, Pakistan has denied targeting civilian infrastructure, stating that its operations were directed solely at military sites and ammunition storage facilities.

Amid conflicting accounts, the European Union has joined international voices calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of diplomatic dialogue. Officials underlined that only constructive engagement can help prevent further deterioration of the situation and ensure regional stability.