Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut
Beirut, Jul 6: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has issued a strong appeal to the international community to intervene and press Israel to halt its military actions against Lebanon, warning that the ongoing escalation is a threat to both Lebanon’s sovereignty and broader regional stability.
In a statement released by the Lebanese presidency, Aoun urged global partners to push for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a cessation of hostilities and respect for Lebanon’s territorial integrity.
“We call on our partners and allies to intensify pressure on Israel to halt its violations and fully commit to UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” Aoun said during a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Aoun also emphasized Lebanon’s gratitude for British support at the UN, expressing hope that London would back Lebanon’s request to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year — through August 31, 2026. A vote on the mandate extension is expected later this August.
Border Strikes and Sovereignty Concerns
President Aoun warned that Israel’s continued military operations, including aerial and artillery attacks, have reached southern suburbs of Beirut and key infrastructure routes, further undermining efforts to restore peace along the Israel-Lebanon border.
He also condemned Israel’s:
• Ongoing occupation of Lebanese territory
• Refusal to release Lebanese detainees
• Repeated airspace violations and border provocations
“These provocations prevent the Lebanese state from fully asserting its sovereignty, protecting its citizens, and enforcing decisions,” Aoun stated.
The Lebanese leader called for formal guarantees from Israel to cease future aggression and reiterated demands for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese land, notably the Shebaa Farms region, which remains contested.
UK Reaffirms Support
Responding to the Lebanese president’s concerns, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Lebanon, particularly in areas of security and defense cooperation.
“The UK values its deep and historic ties with Lebanon. We are watching developments with great interest and remain in full solidarity with the Lebanese people,” Lammy said.
The meeting comes amid growing fears of a broader conflict, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to rise, with sporadic cross-border fire stoking concerns of a wider regional escalation.
The coming weeks are seen as critical, with the fate of the UNIFIL mandate, diplomatic efforts, and international pressure likely to shape the path forward for peace and stability in the region.