UN ready to support Lebanon-Israeli occupation talks

Deputy Spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Farhan Haq welcomed the talks between Lebanon and the Israeli occupation, hosted in Washington on Tuesday. The talks constitute an important first step to end the hostilities, and towards breaking the recurrent rounds of violence that have caused considerable suffering for too long, Haq told reporters on Wednesday. The Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "reiterates his call to all parties to immediately cease hostilities," he noted. "Maintaining dialogue will be essential in resolving outstanding issues and achieving progress towards stability. "We remain ready to support these efforts and continue to urge the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701," the deputy spokesperson affirmed. He reiterated the call for the Israeli occupation forces to respect agreed arrangements and to uphold its obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, as well as the freedom of movement of all UNIFIL patrols and logistical convoys. On the humanitarian front in Lebanon, Haq said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that a growing number of casualties and hostilities continue to drive humanitarian needs higher across the country. "More than 1.2 million people have been displaced by the crisis. "Across southern and eastern Lebanon, dozens of locations are being hit daily by Israeli strikes. "Reports indicate that at least 35 villages in the south were struck yesterday, with extensive damage to residential areas," he added.