Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has demanded Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 26, as per the ceasefire with Hezbollah. The UN Secretary-General affirmed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and expressed hopes for stability under Aoun’s leadership. The international community, led by the US and France, has pledged assistance while addressing violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israeli forces.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has insisted that Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline stipulated in last year’s ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President Aoun expressed that ongoing Israeli violations in Lebanon, including attacks on infrastructure, violate both Lebanese sovereignty and the intent of the international community.
Guterres committed to making every effort to ensure a secure withdrawal of Israeli forces by the set deadline, highlighting the potential for a stable future for Lebanon under Aoun’s leadership. Aoun, a former military leader, reaffirmed his support for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), emphasizing the importance of maintaining security and order in the southern region.
The ceasefire mandates Hezbollah’s retreat beyond the Litani River and the dismantling of military infrastructure. Recent reports from UN peacekeepers indicated the discovery of several weapons caches attributed to Hezbollah, prompting calls for Israel to end its occupation of southern Lebanon.
The international community’s support for Lebanon was further underscored by recent pledges of financial assistance from the United States, totaling over $117 million for the Lebanese army and security forces. French President Emmanuel Macron has also called for accelerated Israeli troop withdrawal and strengthening of the Lebanese army in light of ongoing tensions.
Hezbollah’s leadership has asserted that the Israeli military has violated the ceasefire agreement multiple times. In a recent address, Naim Qassem warned Israel against testing the patience of Lebanon, urging compliance with the terms established by the ceasefire agreement.
The comments from President Aoun occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions concerning Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. The ceasefire agreement from November 2022 aims to balance military actions between Israel and Hezbollah and restore stability in the region. The UN has a role in monitoring these developments and ensuring compliance by both parties, particularly regarding the violations reported against UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aimed to conclude hostilities from the 2006 war. The current political climate in Lebanon is characterized by efforts to recover from economic turmoil while establishing a unified front against external military threats.
In conclusion, President Aoun’s firm stance on Israel’s withdrawal reflects Lebanon’s pursuit of sovereignty and respect for international agreements. The role of the United Nations, coupled with international support, remains critical in navigating the complexities of regional security and aiding Lebanon’s recovery. With a deadline approaching, the situation continues to unfold as Lebanese leadership seeks a pathway to stability amidst ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
