Mikati urges UN Security Council for decisive action against Israeli aggression

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday called on the UN Security Council to take "more decisive and effective measures" in addressing Israeli violations and attacks on Lebanese civilians. He stressed that the Council's response should be "swift and robust, aimed at protecting innocent civilians and civil defense personnel working to alleviate their suffering." "We strongly condemn the ongoing Israeli targeting of Lebanese civilians, which constitutes a clear violation of international law and threatens the safety and security of the Lebanese people," Mikati said during a meeting with the ambassadors and representatives of the Security Council member states. Moreover, the Prime Minister thanked the Security Council members for their support in renewing the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) and reiterated the need for international collaboration to maintain stability in Lebanon. He also urged the Council to "hold those responsible for targeting Lebanese civilians accountable" and highl ighted Lebanon's commitment to peace, stability, and protecting its people. The meeting was attended by several Lebanese ministers and representatives of international organizations, including UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. In turn, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib echoed Mikati's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of international action to prevent the targeting of civilians and journalists in violation of the Geneva Conventions. "We want a ceasefire and are open to indirect negotiations with Israel to achieve it," Bou Habib added. He also announced that Lebanon will request a Security Council session to address the situation. Mikati also held separate meetings with Health Minister Firas Abiad and Finance Minister Youssef Khalil, with whom he discussed various domestic issues, including the launch of the World Bank-supported "Riaya - care" program, which aims to provide primary healthcare to 200,000 beneficiaries. Source: National news agency - Lebanon