UNHCR pledges support for displaced Lebanese as Mikati pushes for ceasefire, Resolution 1701

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received the U.N.'s High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Sunday at his residence, where the latter emphasized that the visit was "to express solidarity with Lebanon during these difficult times and to support humanitarian efforts in assisting displaced Lebanese."

He pointed out that the UNHCR is supporting displaced Lebanese with medical supplies and food items and will also contribute cash assistance to around 200,000 people.

He noted that UNHCR has expanded its network of hospitals in the south and the Bekaa, "enhancing access to critical healthcare through 42 hospitals."

Mikati, in turn,  welcomed the efforts of UNHCR and stressed that "the only solution to end this suffering is an immediate ceasefire, halting Israeli aggression, and implementing Resolution 1701, which paves the way for the return of the displaced to their areas and the preservation of stability in the region."

Mikati called on Grandi to work seriously with the Syrian authorities and the international community to resolve the crisis of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and to secure their return to Syria, "as thousands of Lebanese have become displaced in their own country, and Lebanon can no longer bear the burden of Syrian refugees."