At Paris conference, PM Mikati urges ceasefire, calls for global action amid Israeli strikes on Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized that Israeli aggression on Lebanon has caused immense humanitarian suffering, loss of life, and severe damage to the country’s infrastructure, economy, and social fabric. Speaking at the Paris conference in support of Lebanon, Mikati called for urgent global action to address the crisis.

"The large-scale displacement of Lebanese citizens has created an unprecedented humanitarian emergency that demands urgent attention from the international community," Mikati said.

He condemned the indiscriminate attacks on healthcare workers and rescue teams, which have resulted in more than 150 deaths and the disruption of over 13 hospitals and 100 healthcare centers.

Mikati said these attacks clearly violate international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

He urged the international community to act immediately to hold those responsible accountable for these violations and to ensure the protection of civilians and essential infrastructure.

To address the crisis, Mikati called for international support beyond immediate humanitarian aid, focusing on comprehensive recovery efforts.

He said Lebanon expects the international community to unite in solidarity and enforce an immediate ceasefire to end the ongoing violence. He also highlighted the urgent need for financial assistance to stabilize living conditions and provide essential services, including food, healthcare, shelter, and education.

Furthermore, Mikati stressed the importance of strengthening local institutions to manage the large influx of displaced people and ensure they receive basic services such as energy, water, and waste management.

He emphasized the need for international funding to rebuild infrastructure destroyed by Israeli attacks, including roads, schools, hospitals, and cultural heritage sites.

Mikati noted that the loss of civilian lives and the destruction could have been avoided if Israel had endorsed the joint statement led by the United States and France on Sept. 25. He reiterated Lebanon’s support for the initiative and called for an immediate ceasefire.

The prime minister also stressed that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 remains crucial for stability and security in southern Lebanon.

He called for its full and immediate implementation by both Lebanon and Israel, saying it would safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security along its southern borders, allowing displaced communities to return home.

Mikati underscored Lebanon’s commitment to recruiting additional soldiers in line with Resolution 1701 to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.

He said international support, including financial assistance, training, and technical help, is essential to ensure the recruitment process is successful.

He concluded by expressing strong support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its mission, condemning Israeli attacks on UNIFIL.

Mikati called for continued international backing of UNIFIL’s mandate, urging the global community to contribute to the effort to maintain stability along Lebanon’s southern border.