Beirut: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Friday condemned the ongoing Israeli escalation in South Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, describing the expanded attacks, loss of civilian lives and destruction as a dangerous and unacceptable escalation.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Aoun said the strikes, which have reportedly killed and injured dozens of civilians, including women and children, are undermining ongoing efforts to consolidate a ceasefire and end the war, particularly following recent developments between the United States and Iran.

The President stressed that these developments would not deter efforts to secure a comprehensive ceasefire as quickly as possible, noting that he had instructed the Lebanese negotiating delegation to prioritize the issue during the upcoming round of talks in Washington.

Aoun further emphasized that a full ceasefire is the essential gateway to addressing other key issues, including Israeli withdrawal, the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the return of detainees.