UPDATE - Lebanese premier, US secretary of state hold talks in London

CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE; ADDS MORE DETAILS

By Anadolu staff

The Lebanese Presidency announced Friday that a meeting has commenced between Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in London focusing on achieving a cease-fire in the region.

In a statement, Mikati stressed Lebanon's commitment to prioritizing a cease-fire and deterring Israeli attacks, emphasizing: “Israel is violating international law by targeting civilians, journalists, and medical teams.”

He further noted that over 1.4 million Lebanese have been displaced due to the ongoing hostilities.

Mikati reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 without modifications.

Adopted in 2006, Resolution 1701 calls for a cessation of hostilities and establishes a demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon, monitored by the Lebanese army and UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL).

Blinken also emphasized the US commitment to a diplomatic solution and voiced support for Lebanon’s government institutions, especially its military and security forces, which play a key role in upholding Resolution 1701.

Blinken’s stop in London marked the final leg of his regional tour, which included Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

His remarks came shortly after a recent international conference in Paris, where over $1 billion was pledged for humanitarian and military support to Lebanon.

On Thursday, Mikati said Israel’s ongoing onslaught has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

Israel has mounted a huge air campaign in Lebanon since last month against what it claims are Hezbollah targets in an escalation from year-long cross-border warfare between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah since the start of Israel’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip.

Israel expanded the conflict this year by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi