Lebanese leaders in Paris for talks as Israeli bombs hit Beirut

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib were in Paris for a conference on Thursday, as Israeli bombs pummelled Beirut and French officials raised fears of a Lebanese civil war. Brig Gen Youssef Haddad was representing the Lebanese Army and was seen sitting close to French President Emmanuel Macron at the opening session. Lebanon hopes for all the humanitarian aid it can get, Lebanese diplomats told The National, ahead of the conference while also vying for a ceasefire as soon as possible.