Mikati Condemns Israeli Airstrike on Khiyam After Lebanese Army Deployment, Demands Accountability

BEIRUT: Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued a statement on Thursday condemning an Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese town of Khiyam, which occurred less than 24 hours after the Lebanese army began its deployment there and in Marjayoun, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. The strike resulted in casualties, with both fatalities and injuries reported. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Mikati described the airstrike as "blatant treachery" that violates all commitments made by the parties sponsoring the ceasefire agreement, specifically naming the United States and France. He urged these nations to provide a clear stance on the incident and take action to curb Israeli aggression. Mikati further called on the monitoring committee responsible for overseeing the ceasefire's implementation to address this violation decisively and prevent its recurrence. The Prime Minister's statement underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and highlights the need for international interven tion to maintain stability in the region.