Iran FM says backs efforts for simultaneous Gaza-Lebanon ceasefire during Beirut visit

Ahram Online , Friday 4 Oct 2024

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said his country "backs efforts" toward a simultaneous ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon during his visit to Beirut to discuss Israel's escalation with Lebanese officials.

Iran FM
File photo: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a news conference, September 25, 2024, at UN headquarters. AP

 

Araghchi arrived in Lebanon as Israel launched new airstrikes on different parts of Lebanon, including Beirut’s southern suburb, south Lebanon, and the eastern Bekaa Valley.

The top diplomat emphasized that his country "backs efforts" for a simultaneous ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as both regions suffer under Israeli assault.

"We support the efforts for a ceasefire, provided that first, the rights of the Lebanese people are respected and it is accepted by the (Hezbollah) resistance, and second, that it comes simultaneously with a ceasefire in Gaza," he said during his visit to meet officials.

He also expressed firm support for Lebanon, its Shia Muslim community and Hezbollah against Israel's aggression.

"Be sure that the Islamic Republic of Iran is and will be firmly standing by the friends in Lebanon," Araghchi told reporters, adding that "it was necessary to say this in person."

Araghchi’s visit to Beirut came after Iran launched at least 180 missiles Tuesday into Israel, in retaliation for Israel's spate of killings of Tehran-aligned leaders and assaults on Lebanon and Gaza.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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