BEIRUT: Leaders from Lebanon and the United States have joined forces in a bid to halt the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon has called for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of containing the Israel-Hamas conflict to prevent its spread to other regions. The situation has raised concerns about a potential regional conflict.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met with Mikati in Amman, shares the commitment to prevent further escalation. He stressed the necessity of securing humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people. The discussions also addressed Lebanon’s urgent need for a president.
During the meeting, both leaders highlighted the significance of Resolution 1701 and the importance of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza while putting an end to Israeli aggression.
Mikati further condemned Israel’s military strikes in southern Lebanon, alleging the use of internationally prohibited weapons that have caused extensive damage to towns. He called on the international community to pressure Israel to cease its daily encroachments and violations of Lebanese land and sovereignty.
Mikati continued his diplomatic efforts by visiting Cairo, where he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. In this meeting, Mikati praised Egypt’s role in ending Israeli aggression against Gaza and the atrocities against Palestinians.
Egypt’s president is working toward a solution that begins with a ceasefire and protection of civilians, followed by a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue that upholds their rights to land and an independent state.
Meanwhile, tensions remain along Lebanon’s southern border, but the situation has eased since Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, delivered a speech. Contrary to some expectations, Nasrallah refrained from declaring war against Israel. This decision has sparked mixed reactions among the Lebanese public, with some voicing concerns about the level of aggression against the Palestinians, while others see it as a sign of internal turmoil within Hezbollah.
MP Ghassan Hasbani expressed concerns that Hezbollah might be making critical decisions for Lebanon, which he deemed highly dangerous. Former minister Richard Kouyoumjian pointed out that Nasrallah’s statements aimed to rationalize Hezbollah’s limited involvement in the Gaza conflict, referring to international Resolution 1701, which mandates the deployment of Lebanese and UN forces to maintain peace in the region.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community seeks a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire and stability in the region.
