Lebanon’s president says only solution is ceasefire and direct talks with Israel

Lebanon’s president said Thursday that the only solution to end the war with Israel is an immediate ceasefire followed by direct talks with the neighboring country.

“The only solution to the situation Lebanon is experiencing is through a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, followed by direct negotiations,” President Joseph Aoun was quoted as telling a visiting delegation to the presidential palace.

Aoun said he is conducting intense contacts to discuss the proposal, which he said is receiving “significant” and “positive” attention from the international community.

The president’s comments come a day after Israel unleashed its most intense bombing of Lebanon, killing more than 200 people and wounding over 1,000 others.

Aoun said international efforts are ongoing to include Lebanon in the US-Iran ceasefire, which Washington has asserted would not be the case.

Aoun reiterated his support for Lebanese security agencies, including the Lebanese Armed Forces. “I have said and repeat: I will not allow internal strife to occur, and everyone must have faith in the state and its legitimate forces, for there is no salvation without it.”