Beirut: Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun on Monday urged direct negotiations with Israel under international auspices, aiming to establish a comprehensive ceasefire that would put an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

According to Anadolu Agency, Aoun also blamed an unidentified armed group for instigating the current state of war, describing the rocket launches from Lebanese territory as a deliberate provocation intended to trigger a significant Israeli retaliation.

During a virtual meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Aoun highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis Lebanon is facing. Over 600,000 Lebanese citizens have been displaced, many of whom lack basic necessities and shelter. He attributed this situation to efforts to destabilize Lebanon by aggressors who disregard international and humanitarian law, alongside an armed group that neglects Lebanon's interests and its people's welfare.

Aoun called on the international community to back an initiative for a complete truce, halting all Israeli offensives. He also requested logistical support for the Lebanese army to manage areas of recent conflict, seize weapons, and disarm Hezbollah, including its storage and depot facilities. The Lebanese president emphasized that these measures should align with initiating direct Lebanon-Israel negotiations under international oversight.

Additionally, Aoun expressed Lebanon's solidarity with other nations facing Iranian attacks. The conflict has intensified since Israeli airstrikes began on March 2, claiming nearly 500 lives and displacing thousands throughout Lebanon. This escalation followed a joint Israel-US attack on Iran on February 28, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.