Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit reaffirmed the organization’s strong support for Lebanon amidst escalating violence, expressing concern over the deteriorating situation and urging swift action to bring about a breakthrough.

"The Arab League stands with Lebanon in this crisis," he said following his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, voicing his hope that "we will not have to wait long to achieve the necessary breakthrough."

"Israeli violence and the disregard for human life, as we are witnessing, deeply saddens us. It is troubling to see such negligence from a power that has so often spoken about principles in the international arena," he added.

Aboul Gheit underscored the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

"Resolution 1701 is pivotal and must be implemented to the letter as soon as possible," he stressed, adding that the repeated attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) must not be allowed to continue.

Aboul Gheit outlined several key priorities, including an immediate ceasefire and the election of a Lebanese president as he also expressed dismay at the United Nations Security Council’s failure to issue a strong deterrent response to Israel's recent attacks on UNIFIL.

"It is saddening to see the UN Security Council fail to take a strong response to Israel's aggression against UNIFIL," he lamented.

The Arab League chief also called for guarantees that Israel would not resume its military operations in Lebanon, while strongly rejecting any form of foreign intervention on Lebanese soil.

"It is essential that Lebanon receives guarantees that Israel will not attack again, and we reject any foreign interference in Lebanon," he stated.

Aboul Gheit’s visit to Lebanon is part of a broader diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing conflict. His arrival at Beirut International Airport coincided with that of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who is also engaging with Lebanese officials to seek a resolution to the hostilities. Aboul Gheit's first official meeting took place at Ain al-Tineh with Speaker Berri as he is set to continue his consultations with Lebanese leaders in the coming days.