Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib expressed hope on Tuesday that a cease-fire would begin on Nov. 26 evening (tonight), as Israel's military attacks on the country have intensified over the past two months.
Speaking at the 10th Mediterranean Dialogue Forum in Italy, Bou Habib indicated that Lebanon is committed to peace and has been advocating for an end to the violence.
During his speech at the "Dialogue for Peace" session of the forum, Bou Habib highlighted that the Israeli military assault on Lebanon has been ongoing for 60 days.
"I hope that we can achieve a cease-fire this evening. Everyone is waiting for Israel to accept the ceasefire," he stated, emphasizing that Lebanon is in favor of peace.
The Lebanese minister also addressed the broader regional context, expressing concern over the continued escalation of hostilities.
"The more we remain silent, the more fragmentation in the international system will occur," he warned, urging international actors to take a stand and push for a halt to the violence.
Lebanese FM hopes for cease-fire with Israel to begin on Nov. 26 evening
This picture shows a damaged cemetery at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in the Beirut southern suburb of Burj al-Brajneh on November 26, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. - Israel's security cabinet was due to meet on November 26 to vote on a proposed ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, an official said, while the White House voiced optimism that a deal was close. (Photo by AFP)
Lebanese FM hopes for cease-fire with Israel to begin on Nov. 26 evening
BEIRUT, LEBANON - NOVEMBER 26: Smoke billows from buildings after the Israeli army launched an airstrike on the Dahieh district in Beirut, Lebanon on November 26, 2024. ( Houssam Shbaro - Anadolu Agency )
Lebanese FM hopes for cease-fire with Israel to begin on Nov. 26 evening
This picture shows a damaged cemetery at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in the Beirut southern suburb of Burj al-Brajneh on November 26, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. - Israel's security cabinet was due to meet on November 26 to vote on a proposed ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, an official said, while the White House voiced optimism that a deal was close. (Photo by AFP)
Lebanese FM hopes for cease-fire with Israel to begin on Nov. 26 evening
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted Beirut?s southern suburbs on November 26, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. - Israel's security cabinet was due to meet on November 26 to vote on a proposed ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, an official said, while the White House voiced optimism that a deal was close. (Photo by IBRAHIM AMRO / AFP)
Calls for sovereignty in southern Lebanon
Besides calling for a cease-fire, Bou Habib reaffirmed Lebanon's stance on its territorial integrity, particularly in southern Lebanon. He stressed that the Lebanese government should be the sole authority in the region.
"The only authority in southern Lebanon must be the Lebanese government. To achieve this, it is vital to promote cooperation between the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese army," he stated.
Lebanese FM hopes for cease-fire with Israel to begin on Nov. 26 evening
A United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) armored vehicle drives through the southern Lebanese city of Sidon on November 25, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Escalating death toll in Lebanon
The ongoing conflict, which began on Oct. 8, 2023, has led to significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, as of now, 3,768 people have been killed by Israel, including 946 women and children and 222 healthcare workers.
More than 15,000 people have been injured in the attacks, which have also displaced nearly 1.9 million people across the country.
In a further escalation, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Baalbek, targeting various sites, including alleged military positions associated with Hezbollah.
Lebanese FM hopes for cease-fire with Israel to begin on Nov. 26 evening
A photo taken from southern Lebanon's area of Marjayoun shows destruction around a mosque targeted in Israeli strikes in the village of Khiam near the border with Israel on November 19, 2024, as the war between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group continues. (Photo by AFP)
226 health workers killed in Lebanon since October 2023: WHO report
A photo taken from southern Lebanon's area of Marjayoun shows destruction in the village of Khiam near the border with Israel on November 19, 2024, as the war between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group continues. (AFP Photo)
Growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, with large numbers of civilians fleeing the conflict zones. According to Lebanese government data, over 624,000 people have fled to Syria, while others have relocated within Lebanon.