Kuala Lumpur = Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the ceasefire in the West Asia conflict to be expanded to include Lebanon.

He said the matter was raised during a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Anwar said Lebanon has been badly affected by the conflict, with about one million people displaced and more than 1,000 deaths reported.

“I reaffirmed Malaysia's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and return to dialogue, while also addressing the increasingly urgent humanitarian situation," he said in a Facebook statement today.

During the call, Anwar also conveyed Aidilfitri greetings and thanked the Lebanese government for ensuring the safety of Malaysian peacekeepers.

He expressed appreciation for support given to Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) personnel serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

“In concluding the conversation, I expressed Malaysia's commitment to continue working with Lebanon and international partners to restore regional peace and stability,” Anwar  added.

Reports said Israel carried out airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon after a cross-border attack by the Iran backed Hezbollah group on March 2.

Lebanese authorities said at least 1,039 people have been killed and 2,876 others injured in the attacks so far.