Bou Habib discusses Gaza crisis with Japanese counterpart, says failure in negotiations could lead to uncontrollable regional consequences

Caretaker Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, on Thursday received a phone call from Japan's Foreign Minister, Yoko Kamikawa, with whom he discussed the escalating tensions in the Middle East region. Bou Habib reiterated Lebanon's warning that failure in negotiations over Gaza could lead to uncontrollable regional consequences. He also echoed Lebanon's desire to avoid war and called for a ceasefire in Gaza to stabilize the south and the region. In turn, Kamikawa expressed Japan's deep concern over the situation and urged all parties to avoid escalation, asking Lebanon to request of Hezbollah to refrain from further actions. Moreover, the Japanese Foreign Minister reaffirmed her country's support for the trilateral effort by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. Additionally, Bou Habib praised Japan's support for Lebanon at the UN, recognizing Japan's role as a non-permanent Security Council member, while Kamikawa highlighted Japan's cooperation with France on renewing UNIFIL's manda te. Bou Habib separately welcomed on Thursday the newly appointed Dutch Ambassador to Lebanon, Frank Mollen, who paid him a courtesy visit to discuss Lebanon's current challenges and the best means to strengthen bilateral ties. Source: National news agency - Lebanon