Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called on the UN Security Council to put pressure on Israel for “an immediate ceasefire on all fronts”, Reuters reports.

Asked if a ceasefire can be reached soon, he told Reuters: “Hopefully, yes.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told reporters before the UN Security Council meeting that his country supported Hezbollah and would not remain indifferent if the conflict in Lebanon spiralled.

World leaders voiced concern that the conflict — running in parallel to Israel’s war in Gaza against Hamas fighters — was escalating rapidly as the death toll rose in Lebanon and thousands fled their homes.