Israel on Monday confirmed it had targeted 1,600 sites in Lebanon, marking the deadliest day of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict since 2006.

With the situation threatening to spiral out of control, the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that the Middle East stood on the precipice of outright war.

Borrell called for a ceasefire along the so-called Blue Line separating northern Israel and southern Lebanon. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, he said: “We are almost on the verge of total war.”

He added: “It’s time to do something. Everyone must do everything in their power to stop this.”

Borrell’s words come as thousands flee southern Lebanon and schools shut down across the country. Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, has said he would travel to New York, where the UN General Assembly is meeting.

World leaders and top diplomats have condemned the latest escalation. Writing on X, UN Secretary General António Guterres said: “I’m gravely alarmed by the escalating situation along the Blue Line and the large number of civilian casualties, including children, reported by the Lebanese authorities, amidst the most intense Israeli bombing campaign since last October.”

He continued: “I’m also gravely alarmed by the continued strikes by Hezbollah into Israel... All efforts must be devoted to a diplomatic solution.”

President Joe Biden said that the U.S. was “working to de-escalate in a way that allows people to return home safely.” The Pentagon announced that “a small number” of additional troops would be sent to the Middle East as a precaution.

Amid growing fears of the conflict spreading, several carriers have canceled flights in and out of Beirut, among them Lufthansa, Air France, and Delta Air Lines. On Tuesday morning, Wizz Air and British Airways canceled their flights to Tel Aviv.