Lebanese prime minister urges UN support amid Israeli bombardment

By Stephanie Rady

BEIRUT (AA) - Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for urgent humanitarian support from UN bodies during a series of diplomatic meetings in New York on Friday, as Israeli aggression against Lebanon escalates.

Mikati’s appeal came as he sought international assistance to halt the ongoing Israeli bombardment.

During his meetings, Mikati spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in maintaining regional stability.

UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted on August 11, 2006, calls for a complete cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and establishes a zone free of armed personnel and weapons, except for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces, between the Blue Line (the border between Lebanon and Israel) and the Litani River in southern Lebanon.

Mikati emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid from UN bodies to support Lebanon during this critical time.

In related discussions, Mikati and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the situation in Lebanon, highlighting the necessity for an immediate cease-fire and a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Mikati expressed gratitude to the UK for its efforts to halt the Israeli assault.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also met with Mikati, stating: “We need an immediate ceasefire to allow for a diplomatic solution in line with UN resolutions,” and adding, “We will continue supporting the Lebanese people impacted by the conflict.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian reiterated during his meeting with Mikati that war can still be avoided and that civilian casualties are “unacceptable.” He confirmed his intention to visit Lebanon for further discussions, though no specific date was set.

Israel has pounded Lebanon since Monday morning, killing over 700 people and injuring nearly 2,200 others, according to figures released by the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the start of Israel's war on Gaza, which has killed more than 41,500 people, mostly women and children, following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 of last year.

The international community has warned against the strikes on Lebanon, as they raise the specter of spreading the Gaza conflict regionally.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi in Ankara