Mikati Urges International Pressure on Israel Amid Attacks on Civilians, Heritage
4 تشرين الثاني 2024 14:50
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the ongoing Israeli hostilities against Lebanon, emphasizing that “the international community remains silent as Israel continues its assault, causing widespread death and destruction.”
The PM urged states championing human rights “to apply maximum pressure on Israel to halt its aggression.” He also reiterated Lebanon's commitment to UN Resolution 1701, pledging to reinforce the army in the south and welcome initiatives for a ceasefire.
However, Mikati noted that Israel has “rejected proposed solutions and has escalated its war crimes, even targeting archaeological sites, which is an additional crime against humanity requiring immediate response.”
“We call for immediate international pressure to end the aggression, creating space to fully implement Resolution 1701 without interpretation or amendment,” Mikati said, revealing the government’s recent decision to strengthen the military by recruiting 1,500 personnel, with further steps set for discussion in upcoming cabinet meetings.
The Prime Minister further underscored the need to protect civilians and medical teams from attack, noting that he has submitted to ambassadors a report from the Ministry of Health detailing the destruction in the healthcare sector due to Israeli airstrikes.
Mikati then expressed grave concern over the displacement of entire villages and damage to invaluable cultural sites in Baalbek and Tyre, which he deems a flagrant violation of international law.
“Our heritage is part of our national identity and a global legacy; we call for an immediate ceasefire to protect lives and cultural treasures,” he declared, urging the UN Security Council to act decisively.
Mikati held discussions with the ambassadors of the five permanent UN Security Council members and the EU, joined by Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib.
For her part, EU Ambassador Sandra de Waele confirmed EU’s support for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, stating, “We discussed EU support for Lebanon, including humanitarian and financial assistance, and emphasized the need for sectoral reforms, particularly in education and reconstruction.”
The Prime Minister also met with US Ambassador Lisa Johnson, British Charge d'Affaires Victoria Dean, Russian Ambassador Alexander Rudakov, Chinese Ambassador Qian Minjian, and French Ambassador Hervé Magro.
Mikati welcomed German Development Minister Svenja Schulze, German Ambassador Kurt Georg Stoeckl-Stillfried, and members of their delegation as well.
In separate meetings, Mikati discussed with Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, the military’s internal investigation into a recent kidnapping in Batroun and received updates from Acting General Security Chief, Major General Elias Baisari.
The PM also reviewed a report on Israeli violations against Lebanon’s healthcare sector from MPs Fadi Alameh and Bilal Abdullah, with Abdallah remarking, “We aim to raise this issue at the Security Council to prevent further targeting of health facilities and personnel.”
Alameh stressed the importance of coordinating with the international community to protect healthcare workers, “who sacrifice their lives as we witness alarming levels of violence against them.” Abdullah added that discussions also covered strategies to expedite humanitarian aid to displaced residents, under a government plan committed to transparency and equitable distribution.
The PM urged states championing human rights “to apply maximum pressure on Israel to halt its aggression.” He also reiterated Lebanon's commitment to UN Resolution 1701, pledging to reinforce the army in the south and welcome initiatives for a ceasefire.
However, Mikati noted that Israel has “rejected proposed solutions and has escalated its war crimes, even targeting archaeological sites, which is an additional crime against humanity requiring immediate response.”
“We call for immediate international pressure to end the aggression, creating space to fully implement Resolution 1701 without interpretation or amendment,” Mikati said, revealing the government’s recent decision to strengthen the military by recruiting 1,500 personnel, with further steps set for discussion in upcoming cabinet meetings.
The Prime Minister further underscored the need to protect civilians and medical teams from attack, noting that he has submitted to ambassadors a report from the Ministry of Health detailing the destruction in the healthcare sector due to Israeli airstrikes.
Mikati then expressed grave concern over the displacement of entire villages and damage to invaluable cultural sites in Baalbek and Tyre, which he deems a flagrant violation of international law.
“Our heritage is part of our national identity and a global legacy; we call for an immediate ceasefire to protect lives and cultural treasures,” he declared, urging the UN Security Council to act decisively.
Mikati held discussions with the ambassadors of the five permanent UN Security Council members and the EU, joined by Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib.
For her part, EU Ambassador Sandra de Waele confirmed EU’s support for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, stating, “We discussed EU support for Lebanon, including humanitarian and financial assistance, and emphasized the need for sectoral reforms, particularly in education and reconstruction.”
The Prime Minister also met with US Ambassador Lisa Johnson, British Charge d'Affaires Victoria Dean, Russian Ambassador Alexander Rudakov, Chinese Ambassador Qian Minjian, and French Ambassador Hervé Magro.
Mikati welcomed German Development Minister Svenja Schulze, German Ambassador Kurt Georg Stoeckl-Stillfried, and members of their delegation as well.
In separate meetings, Mikati discussed with Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, the military’s internal investigation into a recent kidnapping in Batroun and received updates from Acting General Security Chief, Major General Elias Baisari.
The PM also reviewed a report on Israeli violations against Lebanon’s healthcare sector from MPs Fadi Alameh and Bilal Abdullah, with Abdallah remarking, “We aim to raise this issue at the Security Council to prevent further targeting of health facilities and personnel.”
Alameh stressed the importance of coordinating with the international community to protect healthcare workers, “who sacrifice their lives as we witness alarming levels of violence against them.” Abdullah added that discussions also covered strategies to expedite humanitarian aid to displaced residents, under a government plan committed to transparency and equitable distribution.