Mikati: The Zionist aggression displaced more than 1.2 million Lebanese

Follow-up - INA

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed, today, Thursday, that the ongoing Zionist aggression on his country has created a humanitarian crisis "of unprecedented dimensions," while he indicated that the aggression has caused the displacement of more than 1.2 million Lebanese.

Mikati said in a speech during the opening of an international conference in Paris to support Lebanon: "The Zionist aggression has displaced more than 1.2 million Lebanese citizens, including 500,000 children who lost their homes and schools." He
continued, "The displacement of this large number of our citizens has led to the emergence of a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented dimensions, a crisis that requires urgent attention and action from the international community."

He pointed out that "the indiscriminate attacks targeting health care workers and ambulance teams have resulted in the death of more than 150 people, and the disruption of more than 13 hospitals and more than 100 health care centers."
He stressed that "they constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, and the international community must act urgently to hold accountable those responsible for these crimes and ensure the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure."

He continued, "There is a need for international funding for large-scale reconstruction projects, including rebuilding the transportation sector, electricity networks, water facilities, and removing rubble for reconstruction and communications infrastructure."
Mikati considered that "UN Security Council Resolution 1701, in its current form, remains the cornerstone of stability and security in southern Lebanon."
He added that "the full and immediate implementation of this resolution by Lebanon and the Zionist entity would preserve Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and provide security on our southern borders that could allow displaced communities to return to their areas."

He added that "the Lebanese government's commitment to begin the process of recruiting additional Lebanese soldiers following Resolution 1701 shows a clear commitment to implementing this resolution."
He continued, "The decision to recruit more soldiers is an important step towards enhancing the Lebanese Armed Forces' ability to maintain security and stability in the region."

He considered that "the stability equation is achieved by an immediate ceasefire, the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, and the deployment of 8,000 army personnel south of the Litani River."
He added, "It is also achieved by resuming diplomatic efforts to address the conflicts along the Blue Line, and reaching an agreement that can ensure long-term and sustainable stability in southern Lebanon."
The Paris conference comes in response to an appeal launched by the United Nations to raise at least $400 million to help displaced Lebanese.