International community calls for de-escalation of war with Israel

In a joint statement, the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) "call on all to cease fire and refrain from further escalation", describing the latest developments as "worrying".

“A ceasefire, implemented in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, is the only sustainable way forward,” the statement added.

UN Resolution 1701 ended the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and called for the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to be the only armed forces deployed in southern Lebanon.

Smoke rises on the Lebanese side of the border with Israel on August 25. Photo: Reuters

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati told ministers at an emergency meeting on August 25 that he had held “a series of contacts with friends of Lebanon to prevent the situation from escalating”.

“It is necessary first of all to stop Israel's actions and apply Resolution 1701,” his office said in a statement.

According to the statement, Mr. Mikati also stressed "Lebanon's support for international efforts that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza."

During a meeting with the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles "CQ" Brown, the highest-ranking US military officer, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also warned about the escalating situation in the region.

According to a statement from the president's office, Mr Sisi "warned about the risk of a new front opening in Lebanon and stressed the need to protect Lebanon's stability and sovereignty". His meeting in Egypt with General Charles "CQ" Brown came hours after Israel launched airstrikes in Lebanon.

Mr. Sisi also called on the "international community to take a decisive stance" and respond more strongly "to the joint efforts of Egypt-US-Qatar" for a ceasefire and a hostage-prisoner exchange, which would create "a path to calm and stability in the region."

Key mediator Egypt again called for restraint and de-escalation, while the US, Israel's top arms supplier, said its military "stands ready" to support its ally.

Ngoc Anh (according to AFP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cong-dong-quoc-te-keu-goi-giam-leo-thang-chien-su-israel--hezbollah-post309280.html