'Israel' turned against all solutions, committing war crimes: Mikati
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Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirms the government's commitment to Resolution 1701 and welcomes calls for a ceasefire to end the Israeli aggression.
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Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati looks on as he waits for the arrival of Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 18, 2024. (AP)
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed on Monday that the ongoing aggression of the Israeli occupation, marked by widespread killing and destruction, falls on the shoulders of the international community, which remains silent in the face of these atrocities.
"At a time when nations advocating for humanity and human rights should be exerting maximum pressure on Israel to cease its aggression, their inaction is deeply concerning," he added.
Mikati stated that the Lebanese government has clearly expressed its commitment to Resolution 1701 and is determined to strengthen the army's presence in southern Lebanon.
He said the government welcomed all calls for a ceasefire, but "Israel" has rejected all proposed solutions and continues to commit war crimes across various Lebanese regions, even targeting archaeological sites.
The caretaker prime minister also reiterated calls to halt the aggression to facilitate discussions on implementing Resolution 1701 without any additions or interpretations, pointing out that the Lebanese government approved a decision in a previous session to enhance the army's presence and recruit additional soldiers.
In the upcoming session, the government will also discuss further executive measures to support the recruitment of 1,500 personnel for the Lebanese Army, he added.
'Pressure on Israel to protect civilians, medical personnel, and archaeological sites'
In a related context, Mikati emphasized the need to pressure "Israel" to spare civilians, as well as medical and ambulance crews, from targeting. He revealed that he had provided ambassadors with a report from the Ministry of Health detailing the damage inflicted on the health sector due to Israeli raids.
He also mentioned that he conveyed a message to the ambassadors, stressing that the ongoing Israeli aggression, particularly the attacks on cities like Baalbek and Tyre, has resulted in the displacement of entire villages and poses a threat to invaluable heritage and cultural sites.
Mikati strongly condemned these acts that blatantly violate international law and endanger the lives of innocent civilians, calling for an immediate ceasefire to safeguard Lebanon's cultural heritage, including the ancient archaeological sites of Baalbek and Tyre, which the Security Council called for swift and decisive action to protect.
A few days ago, Mikati met with Major General Aroldo Lazaro, the UNIFIL Force Commander, and his delegation, to discuss the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon and the challenges UNIFIL is facing at the southern border, amid "Israel's" deliberate attacks.
Mikati conveyed Lebanon's gratitude for UNIFIL's "tireless efforts" during these difficult times, highlighting the significance of the force's role and its ongoing presence in the South.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the tasks and operational protocols assigned to UNIFIL, which are carried out in close collaboration with the Lebanese Army.
