Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, during a tour of the southern region, urged Israel on Saturday to halt its "repeated attacks" on Lebanon and to cease its ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip. "We consistently advocate for peace, and our preference is to pursue peace and implement UN Resolution 1701," Mikati stated, as reported by the Lebanese National News Agency. UN Resolution 1701, passed unanimously on August 11, 2006, calls for a complete cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. "Israel should cease its ongoing attacks on Lebanon, halt the war on Gaza, and all parties should adhere to Resolution No. 2735," Mikati emphasized. Resolution No. 2735 aims to secure a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, facilitate a hostage exchange deal, and ensure sustained humanitarian aid reaches all parts of Gaza. "This visit expresses our solidarity with the southern region and its residents. We stand in full solidarity with them and closely monitor their situation," Mikati affirmed. "We stand with our people; the resistance is fulfilling its obligations, the Lebanese government is fulfilling its duties, and our objective is to safeguard the country in every aspect," he added. Tensions have escalated along Lebanon's border with Israel amid cross-border exchanges involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces, coinciding with Tel Aviv's offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in over 37,800 fatalities since October 7 last year. Hezbollah has linked the cessation of its operations against Israel to the termination of Tel Aviv's campaign in Gaza. — Agencies
