Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati made an emotional plea for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict has already displaced 1.2 million people in Lebanon. “We don’t need more bloodshed or destruction,” he said, urging all parties to halt the hostilities during a virtual briefing organized by the American Task Force on Lebanon. Mikati stressed that diplomacy was the only solution, calling for a “win-win” ceasefire that would be respected by both Israel and Lebanon.
Mikati mentioned plans to deploy 10,000 Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon, should a ceasefire be agreed upon. This, he claimed, would help stabilize the region and prevent further escalation. While he acknowledged the severity of the situation, Mikati’s emphasis on diplomacy underscores his belief that a peaceful resolution is still possible, despite the devastation caused by Israeli strikes.
But honestly, isn’t it a bit too late for calls like this? When blood is already running down the streets and cities are in ruins, a diplomatic solution feels like an afterthought, doesn’t it? For the 1.2 million displaced Lebanese, the damage is already done. Will a ceasefire really reverse the devastation?