Beirut, June 19 (Petra)-- Lebanon's Ministry of Health announced on Friday that intensive Israeli airstrikes carried out from midnight until early afternoon resulted in 47 deaths and 97 injuries, according to an updated casualty toll.

On the political front, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the continuing Israeli escalation, describing it as a dangerous and unacceptable development.

In a statement, Aoun said that the expansion of Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, accompanied by further killing and destruction, constitutes "a serious and condemnable escalation," particularly as it has claimed the lives of dozens of civilians, including women and children.

He added that the attacks effectively undermine ongoing efforts to consolidate a ceasefire and bring an end to the war, especially in light of recent developments involving the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Lebanese president stressed that the escalation would not deter efforts to secure a comprehensive ceasefire as soon as possible. He noted that he had instructed the Lebanese negotiating delegation to prioritize this objective during the upcoming round of talks in Washington.

Aoun emphasized that "there can be no compromise on this issue," asserting that a comprehensive ceasefire is the essential gateway to addressing other key matters, including an Israeli withdrawal, the deployment of the Lebanese Army, and the return of prisoners.

//Petra// MF