Mikati holds phone talks with Hamas' Haniyeh

Palestinian movement Hamas said in a statement that the head of its political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, has received a phone call from caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

“The two sides discussed the latest political and military developments, especially the negotiations to stop the war in Gaza and the ongoing invasion of Rafah,” the statement said.

Haniyeh praised "the Lebanese positions in support of the Palestinian people and their steadfastness and struggle," stressing that "Lebanon is on the line of resistance in support of the Palestinian people.”

Lebanon has offered “martyrs, especially in this battle," Haniyeh added.

Haniyeh also noted that "stopping the aggression against Gaza will contribute to stopping the escalation on the Lebanese front and other supporting fronts."

For his part, Mikati praised the position of the Hamas movement in accepting the mediators’ proposal to stop the assault on Gaza, noting Lebanon’s “firm position on Palestine” and highlighting “the historic relationship between the two peoples.”

Mikati also lauded “the steadfastness and firmness of the Palestinian people and the emphasis on the right of return.”

He also noted the importance of following up on efforts related to UNRWA’s operations in Lebanon.