Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji expressed today, Thursday, his deep pain and concern regarding the continued Israeli attacks on the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, which have affected its historic neighborhoods, churches, mosques, and heritage landmarks that have endured for thousands of years. Raji is conducting an intensive series of diplomatic contacts, demanding an immediate halt to these attacks, and raising his voice in defense of a human and civilizational heritage that concerns not only Lebanon alone, but extends to the conscience of the entire world. These developments come after the Israeli military carried out raids on the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, following the issuance of evacuation orders for its residents and surrounding neighborhoods, as part of an ongoing military escalation in the region.

Lebanon says it will not allow others to negotiate on its behalf Lebanese foreign minister Youssef Raji discussed negotiations with Israel and the security situation in southern Lebanon during talks in Paris with French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Raji said he hoped ongoing negotiations in Washington would lead to a ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Raji also stressed that Lebanon would not accept any party negotiating on its behalf, in remarks widely interpreted as a reference to Iran, and reiterated that the decision to place all weapons under state authority was final.