Lebanese President Condemns Israeli Attacks, Urges Full Ceasefire

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday condemned Israel’s latest attacks on southern and eastern Lebanon, which he assessed as increasingly widespread, causing more casualties and damage. The Lebanese head of state also urged the implementation of a comprehensive ceasefire as soon as possible. “What we are witnessing today in the southern region and Bekaa, namely the expansion of Israeli attacks and the increase in casualties and damage, is a dangerous escalation that deserves condemnation,” Aoun said in a statement quoted from his office’s official account on the social media platform X. According to Aoun, the attacks have struck dozens of innocent civilians, including women and children, and are hindering efforts to strengthen the ceasefire and end the war, especially after the latest developments between the United States and Iran. “These attacks will not stop us from continuing to work towards achieving a comprehensive ceasefire as soon as possible,” he said. Aoun stressed that there must be no leniency on this matter because a comprehensive ceasefire is the gateway to discussing various other important issues. “There can be no tolerance on this issue, because a comprehensive ceasefire is the gateway to discussing other matters, especially the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of troops, and the return of prisoners,” he said. The statement was made after at least 31 Lebanese citizens were reported killed in the country’s southern and eastern regions since early Friday. Israeli attacks have continued despite an agreement between the United States and Iran coming into effect.