Lebanon urges the international community to uphold its historical and moral duty to halt Israel’s aggression, stated Prime Minister Najib Mikati following a meeting with UN Interim Force commander in Lebanon, Spanish General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz.
“Israel's escalation of aggressive actions across Lebanese territory signifies its refusal of a ceasefire and the diplomatic options provided by mediators under UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” he emphasized. “Israel’s persistence places a historic and moral responsibility on the international community to stop this brutal aggression.”
Mikati expressed Lebanon’s appreciation for the efforts of the UN peacekeepers, or “blue helmets,” during this challenging period and voiced strong support for their peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.
On October 30, Mikati expressed cautious optimism that “a ceasefire in southern Lebanon could be achieved within hours or days.” His statement preceded discussions on October 31 in Jerusalem between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top US advisors Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk, aimed at establishing a 60-day truce with Lebanon. It was expected that US envoys would then travel to Beirut to finalize a bilateral ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel; however, this visit did not take place.
Earlier, Mikati reported a phone conversation with Hochstein, who indicated “the possibility of a positive outcome by November 5.” It remains unclear whether further communication occurred between Mikati and the US envoy after the Jerusalem meeting.
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Based on TASS materials