Japan’s government expressed “serious concern” Tuesday over Israel’s ground incursion into southern Lebanon, urging maximum restraint to prevent a further escalation of the conflict.

The Japanese Cabinet called for an immediate cease-fire, stressing all possible measures must be taken to prevent civilian casualties and requesting the relevant parties to pursue a diplomatic solution.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference that Tokyo has been making efforts to ensure the safety of the around 50 Japanese nationals in Lebanon.

Earlier Tuesday, the Israeli entity began ground incursion into southern Lebanon, backed by air strikes and intense artillery shelling targeting villages and towns along the southern Lebanese border.

Lebanon is facing extensive Israeli attacks targeting border villages and infrastructure, resulting in the death and injury of thousands and forcing over a million residents from the targeted areas to flee. The Israeli entity has escalated its air and artillery
attacks across various Lebanese regions and governorates, coinciding with its ongoing aggression on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.

Source: Qatar News Agency