Mikati Calls for Immediate Ceasefire at Arab-Islamic Summit, Urges Global Support for Lebanon.

Riyadh: Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday delivered a poignant speech at the Arab-Islamic Summit, urging immediate international intervention to end the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon and Palestine. Mikati thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the summit, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the escalating crisis. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Mikati expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for convening the summit to address the ongoing Israeli aggression on Palestine and Lebanon, as well as its grave implications for the security and stability of the region. He acknowledged King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their leadership. Mikati described Lebanon's current plight, highlighting the humanitarian catastrophe faced by its citizens. He condemned Israel's actions as violations of international humanitarian law, stating that Lebanon's scenes shift moment by moment, with continuous airstrikes and crimes against humanity. Mikati noted that this aggression adds to the overwhelming array of challenges Lebanon already faces. The Prime Minister emphasized that Lebanon was enduring an existential crisis, with more than 3,000 martyrs and over 13,000 injured to date. Additionally, 1.2 million citizens have been displaced, and the economic damage is immense, with estimated losses at $8.5 billion. This includes the destruction of 100,000 homes and significant impacts on various sectors such as education, health, and agriculture. Mikati called for continued global support, particularly for Lebanon's state institutions and its people. He urged regional and international partners to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and unique pluralistic identity. He stressed that Lebanon remains committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the principles of the Arab League and United Nations. The Prime Minister also outlined Lebanon's plans to address the humanitarian crisis, including a fund for reconstruction managed under UN oversight and a transparent return plan for displaced persons once a ceasefire is implemented. In his final appeal, Mikati renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He reiterated Lebanon's commitment to peace, security, and cooperation with international peacekeeping forces, while stressing the importance of finding a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause. Mikati concluded by underlining Lebanon's hope for peace and stability in the region.