The International Red Cross received five Lebanese detainees from Israel, post-capture during recent military conflicts. This release occurred following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement to release them as a “goodwill gesture” to President Joseph Aoun. Significant negotiations in Naqoura concentrated on stabilizing the region, addressing territorial disputes, and the status of detainees amidst ongoing ceasefire violations.
The International Red Cross facilitated the release of five Lebanese detainees held by the Israeli army, as reported by the state news agency NNA. This action occurred on Tuesday evening, concluding weeks of detention following their capture during recent military engagements between Israel and Hezbollah. The detainees were subsequently transported to the Lebanese Italian Hospital in Tyre, located in southern Lebanon.
This release came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the action as a “goodwill gesture” towards Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun. A statement from his office revealed this decision followed a four-way negotiation in Naqoura that included representatives from the Israeli military, the United States, France, and Lebanon.
During the discussions in Naqoura, an agreement was reached to establish three joint working groups centered on stabilizing the region. These collaborative groups are set to address significant matters such as the Israeli withdrawal from five locations in southern Lebanon and revisiting the borders predating the recent conflict.
Additionally, the ongoing negotiations aim to address the status of individuals classified as saboteurs, detained since the conflict commenced. However, the exact number of Lebanese prisoners currently in Israeli custody remains undisclosed.
Lebanon continues to assert its need for Israel to withdraw from the five contested hills and to release those detained during the recent hostilities. A fragile ceasefire has been sustained since November 2024, marking the end of extensive cross-border fighting that escalated into a significant conflict the previous September. Although Israel was initially scheduled to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, the deadline has been postponed to February 18 due to non-compliance.
Reports indicate that Israel still maintains military posts at five border outposts, leading to significant ceasefire violations, with Lebanese officials documenting nearly 1,100 incidents that have resulted in at least 85 fatalities and over 280 injuries.
The recent transfer of five Lebanese detainees marks a notable diplomatic exchange between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by the Red Cross. The backdrop of these events includes ongoing negotiations aimed at stabilizing the region, addressing border disputes, and handling the status of detainees. As the ceasefire remains in place, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely. The upcoming deadlines surrounding Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon add another layer of complexity to this delicate diplomatic landscape.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
