BEIRUT, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Diplomatic contacts are ongoing to stop the Israeli war on Lebanon, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Sunday, stressing that diplomacy is necessary to end the conflict and reduce civilian suffering.
"We are conducting continuous contacts with various countries to reduce the tragedies of this war, and we call on friendly countries to intervene to stop this madness practiced by Israel," Aoun said in an Easter speech in Bkirki.
He said that Lebanon has proposed an initiative starting with a ceasefire to pave the way for negotiations, but has not yet received a response from the other side.
Aoun also noted that Lebanon is working through the Red Cross and international organizations to open humanitarian corridors for food and medical aid to residents in southern border villages, though there are no guarantees from Israel.
The president warned that civil peace in Lebanon is a "red line," adding that security forces and the army are ready to confront any attempts to stir internal strife. He praised residents who have hosted displaced families and thanked friendly countries and aid organizations for their efforts.
According to Aoun, more than 1,400 people have been killed, over 4,000 wounded, thousands of homes destroyed, and more than 1.2 million people displaced since the war intensified.
Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health reported that the total number of people killed since March 2 has risen to 1,461, while 4,430 wounded.
Cross-border fighting has continued along the Lebanon-Israel border since March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, triggering intensified Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon. ■
