Lebanon: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Thursday that ongoing Israeli attacks on the southern cities of Tyre and Nabatieh along with the destruction of their historic landmarks and threats against residents amount to 'collective punishment' condemned under international law.

According to Anadolu Agency, Salam emphasized that there is no justification for the continued assaults on the regions of Tyre and Nabatieh, the destruction of their historic sites, or the persistent threats against the peaceful residents. He condemned the repeated calls for residents to abandon their homes and livelihoods.

Salam stated that these developments reinforce Lebanon's commitment to an 'immediate ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from our country, and extending state authority over all Lebanese territory,' which would allow displaced residents to return home 'safely and with dignity.' He also mentioned that the Lebanese government is actively seeking to mobilize Arab and international support to achieve these objectives.

Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame has reached out to his counterparts globally and to international organizations to protect archaeological sites in southern Lebanon, particularly those in Tyre and Beaufort Castle. He highlighted that several sites enjoy enhanced protection status under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and should be safeguarded from Israeli aerial or artillery attacks.

Earlier, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi also advocated for an immediate cessation of Israeli attacks on the historic city of Tyre. The intensified Israeli strikes have targeted areas home to several historic and archaeological sites recognized internationally for their cultural significance.

These attacks are part of ongoing Israeli violations of a ceasefire agreement that was implemented on April 17 and extended until early July.