ISLAMABAD — The Israeli attacks on Lebanon will undermine efforts to establish peace and stability in the region, Pakistan said on Thursday, while calling for immediate international action to halt the escalation. The call comes amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran following weeks of intense fighting. While Pakistan and Iran have indicated the truce should extend across the region, including Lebanon, the US and Israel have insist the ceasefire does not cover Israeli military operations there. “Pakistan condemns, in the strongest terms, the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and the widespread destruction of infrastructure,” Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement. It said the Israeli actions “undermine international efforts to establish peace and stability in the region” and constitute a “blatant violation of international law and fundamental humanitarian principles.” Pakistan called on the international community to take “urgent and concrete steps” to end the attacks. The statement also reiterated Islamabad’s “unwavering solidarity” with the government and people of Lebanon, affirming support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability. Lebanon has long been a flashpoint in regional tensions due to the presence of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group that operates along Israel’s northern border. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington has emphasized that Lebanon remains part of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Pakistan’s prime minister, even if Israel and the United States insist otherwise. Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s prime minister who played a key role in mediating the agreement announced on Tuesda, said: “Iran and the United States, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and other areas, effective right away.” However, just hours after the agreement, Israel intensified its attacks on Lebanon once again. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, at least 254 people were killed and 1,165 injured in these strikes. The Israeli military confirmed that the offensive included attacks on many civilian areas. Israel has repeatedly carried out airstrikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions and infrastructure, arguing the group poses a direct security threat. — Agencies
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