Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati delivered a poignant speech at the Arab-Islamic Summit, urging immediate international intervention to end the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon and Palestine. Mikati thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the summit, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the escalating crisis.
"I extend my deepest gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for convening this summit to address the ongoing Israeli aggression on Palestine and Lebanon, as well as its grave implications for the security and stability of the region," Mikati stated, expressing his thanks to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their leadership.
Mikati described Lebanon's current plight, highlighting the humanitarian catastrophe faced by its citizens.
"I speak of a Lebanon whose scenes shift moment by moment, airstrike after airstrike, crime after crime against humanity," he said, condemning Israel’s actions as violations of international humanitarian law. "This aggression adds to the overwhelming array of challenges Lebanon already faces," Mikati continued.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Lebanon was enduring an existential crisis, with more than 3,000 martyrs and over 13,000 injured to date, in addition to the displacement of 1.2 million citizens. He also noted the immense economic damage, estimating losses at $8.5 billion, including the destruction of 100,000 homes and significant impacts on various sectors such as education, health, and agriculture.
Mikati then called for continued global support, particularly for Lebanon’s state institutions and its people, urging regional and international partners to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and unique pluralistic identity. "Support the Lebanese state and its sovereignty," the PM urged, emphasizing that Lebanon remains committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the principles of the Arab League and United Nations.
The Prime Minister also outlined Lebanon’s plans to address the humanitarian crisis, including a fund for reconstruction managed under UN oversight and a transparent return plan for displaced persons once a ceasefire is implemented.
In a final appeal, Mikati renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He also reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to peace, security, and cooperation with international peacekeeping forces, while stressing the importance of finding a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause.
"Peace be upon you, brothers, from a nation under the fire of aggression, yearning for peace, mercy, and blessings," Mikati concluded, underlining Lebanon’s hope for peace and stability in the region.
Mikati calls for ceasefire at Arab-Islamic Summit
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