EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called on Israel to stop its strikes in Lebanon, saying they go beyond self-defense and risk undermining a fragile United States-Iran ceasefire.

Her remarks followed reports of heavy casualties in Israeli airstrikes, drawing similar criticism from the United Nations.

Israel rejected the criticism, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying it will continue operations against Hezbollah with force.

Israel and the United States argue that Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire, while Iran says the agreement depends on a halt to Israeli attacks, Politico has reported.

The dispute is further straining relations between European Union and Israel amid escalating regional tensions.