This photo taken on March, 11, 2026 shows destruction caused by an Israel airstrike on an apartment building in the Aisha Bakkar area of central Beirut, Lebanon. (Photo: Xinhua)

Egyptian and French foreign ministers discussed ways to limit military escalation Saturday as the Arab League chief condemned Israel's operations in Lebanon as an "unacceptable expansionist policy."

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot stressed the need to prevent all-out war and advance diplomacy during a phone call, Egypt's Foreign Ministry said. Abdelatty demanded an immediate halt to Israeli attacks and reiterated Egypt's opposition to any infringement on Lebanese sovereignty.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit condemned Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure, bridges, and residential areas in Beirut as posing "extreme risks to civilians," while also criticizing Hezbollah for exposing Lebanon to increasing danger. The Arab League reaffirmed support for Lebanon's ban on Hezbollah's military activities.

The statements follow a warning on Friday from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz that Lebanon would face mounting damage to infrastructure used by Hezbollah.

Tensions have sharply escalated since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began Feb. 28. Hezbollah fired rockets toward Israel on March 2, prompting an Israeli offensive of airstrikes and ground incursions along the border. Lebanon's Health Ministry said Saturday the death toll since March 2 has reached 826, with 2,009 injured.