BEIRUT — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday condemned what he described as an escalation of Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, warning that the attacks risk further destabilising an already fragile situation along the border.
Aoun said the latest wave of strikes had resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, describing the situation as “dangerous” and calling for an immediate halt to hostilities.
He warned that the continued military escalation undermines ongoing efforts to consolidate a ceasefire and move toward a broader end to the conflict, stressing that diplomatic initiatives must be protected from further deterioration on the ground.
The Lebanese president reiterated that Beirut remains committed to pursuing a comprehensive ceasefire framework in upcoming talks in Washington, which are expected to focus on stabilising the border region and reducing tensions.
According to Aoun, any lasting ceasefire arrangement would need to include the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army in affected areas, and progress on the issue of detainees and prisoners as part of a wider settlement.
Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have remained high amid continued exchanges of fire, raising concerns of further escalation despite international calls for restraint.
