Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Beirut on Monday.
"The solution lies in halting Israeli aggression against Lebanon and reviving the joint appeal by the United States and France for a ceasefire," Mikati stated, according to a release from his office. Barrot's arrival in Beirut on Sunday marked the first visit by a foreign diplomat since Israel intensified its strikes on Hezbollah strongholds.
Mikati emphasized the urgency of implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which concluded the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The French envoy's visit coincided with a deadly strike on a building in central Beirut.
Israeli attacks have predominantly targeted Hezbollah's strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as in south Beirut. Britain on Monday called for de-escalation and a ceasefire following Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, stressing the need for restraint in the region.
"We firmly support Israel's right to self-defense," a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. "However, our clear message is for all parties to exercise restraint."
Israel has conducted a two-week series of attacks on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and several commanders, resulting in the deaths of around 1,000 Lebanese and displacing one million. Hezbollah has vowed to resist any Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon.
"We urge all sides to step back from the brink," the spokesperson added. "Any further escalation must be avoided. A ceasefire is essential to create the necessary space for a political solution that ensures peace in the region."
Starmer and other government ministers have advised British nationals to leave Lebanon via commercial flights while it remains feasible. The government is currently focused on securing additional seats on commercial flights for those wishing to depart and reiterating the call for British citizens to register and book the earliest available flights.
