BEIRUT — Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received several congratulatory messages on Lebanon's Independence Day, Friday, most notably from King Abdallah of Jordan who "expressed strong support for Lebanon," highlighting the "severe Israeli aggression the country is currently facing," Mikati's office said in a statement.

King Abdallah reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to "Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability," emphasizing "full support in confronting the Israeli attacks."

The monarch also underscored the "importance of continued efforts with Arab nations and the international community to halt the ongoing aggression."

The statement also noted that congratulators included Pope Francis, King Charles of the United Kingdom, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Louise Mushikiwabo, secretary-general of the Francophonie.

The Grand Serail's statement also included a message delivered from Pope Francis: "Independence Day is an occasion for me to express my heartfelt prayers to your people who are suffering from the repercussions of the war, especially those who are injured and bereaved by the loss of a loved one or the loss of their homes. May God soothe the wounds of the injured, strengthen the medics and those who help them, and grant eternal rest to the deceased."

"I pray to God to inspire everyone to stop the killing machine in the region, and that the Lebanese people of all sects remain united and support each other in times of trouble," the pope's message concludes.

On Nov. 22, 1943, Lebanon gained its independence from the French colonial rule. This year, Independence Day comes amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah, in which Israel's massive bombing campaign across southern and eastern Lebanon has killed more than 3,500 people and displaced 1.5 million.