Beirut: Lebanon urged the UN on Friday to demand an "immediate" ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, nearly three weeks into a war that has killed 1,200 people and displaced more than a million others.
The call came after Israel appeared to target Hezbollah's security chief in air strikes on Beirut that killed 22 people, the deadliest on the centre of the capital since the conflict erupted.
The raid came as Israel prepared to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar which begins on Friday, though troops will continue operations against Hezbollah and Hamas.
In a televised address, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the foreign ministry would ask the UN Security Council to issue a resolution calling for a "full and immediate ceasefire".
Calling for the Lebanese army and peacekeepers to be the only armed forces deployed in the south of the country, he said that "Hezbollah is in agreement on this issue" -- though the group has yet to comment on his speech.
On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced hope for a diplomatic solution and averting a broader conflict, as he backed efforts by the state to assert itself against Hezbollah.
"It's clear that the people of Lebanon have an interest -- a strong interest -- in the state asserting itself and taking responsibility for the country and its future."
More than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since October 2023 as a result of the escalation of violence between the Hezbollah and Israel, the UN Human Rights Office said, citing the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Among them were 100 emergency paramedics and other health workers.
"There are recurring reports of essential civilian infrastructure having been struck, including hospitals, clinics, ambulances and schools — along with destruction of housing," said UN Human Rights Office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani.
Two UN peacekeepers were injured on Friday by an Israeli strike near their watchtower in south Lebanon, the Israeli military said, while blasts shook the peacekeepers' main base in the area for the second time in 48 hours as Israeli forces battled Hezbollah.
The UNIFIL force said the incident was a "serious development", and that the security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed.
France summoned Israel's ambassador. Russia said it was "outraged" and demanded that Israel refrain from "hostile actions" against the peacekeepers.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had already condemned the attacks on UN personnel. — Agencies
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
