Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for the US-Iran ceasefire to extend to Lebanon, in light of ongoing Israeli attacks that have resulted in significant casualties.

According to Anadolu Agency, Albanese emphasized at a news conference that the Australian government "firmly believes" the ceasefire should encompass Lebanon. The potential inclusion of Lebanon in the agreement remains contentious, with Pakistan, the mediator, asserting that the two-week truce would indeed cover Lebanon. Conversely, Israel and the US have not acknowledged Lebanon as part of the ceasefire arrangement.

Albanese expressed a desire for peace in the region, highlighting the global impact of the conflict. "We want to see peace in this region, and it will make a difference. I know that many Australians are concerned about the events occurring in Lebanon. This is not just about the impact there, but the effect it is having around the world," he stated.

The situation in Lebanon has been dire, with Israeli airstrikes claiming at least 254 lives on Wednesday, followed by additional fatalities from fresh attacks on Thursday. In response to the ongoing assault, Lebanon has declared a day of national mourning.

Despite a ceasefire initiated in November 2024, Israel has continued its airstrikes and ground offensive in southern Lebanon following a Hezbollah-led cross-border attack on March 2. The recent Israeli actions coincide with a US-Iran truce announced on Tuesday, intended to facilitate a final agreement to conclude the conflict, which commenced on February 28 by Washington and Tel Aviv's offensive against Tehran, resulting in substantial casualties.