ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have expressed serious concern over the continued ceasefire violations in Lebanon after deadly Israeli strikes killed 182 people and injured 890 others on Wednesday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan late Wednesday to discuss the worsening security situation in Lebanon and the broader Middle East conflict.
According to official sources, both leaders strongly condemned the latest attacks and stressed the urgent need for all parties to fully respect and implement the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. They warned that continued violations could further destabilize the region and threaten efforts aimed at restoring peace.
During the telephone conversation, Ishaq Dar appreciated Saudi Arabia’s continued diplomatic support for Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Both sides also agreed to remain in close coordination as the situation in Lebanon develops.
The renewed violence comes after Israeli strikes targeted several areas in Lebanon, including Beirut, which witnessed one of the heaviest bombardments since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanon became directly involved in the conflict after Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group, launched attacks on Israel following the US-Israel confrontation with Iran. The latest round of violence has raised fears of a wider regional war despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon pose a grave risk to the fragile ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran.
A spokesperson for the UN chief said the military activity in Lebanon threatens hopes for a lasting peace in the Middle East and urged all sides to immediately stop hostilities.
Although Iran and the United States agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, Israel has made it clear that Lebanon is not part of the agreement, increasing fears of more violence in the coming days.
