President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon has called for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26 in line with last year’s ceasefire agreement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supports this deadline and pledged to aid Lebanon in recovery while addressing ongoing Israeli violations in the region. The situation remains complex as Hezbollah is expected to dismantle its military presence in southern Lebanon, with international forces monitoring the ceasefire.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has declared that Israel is required to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, in accordance with a ceasefire agreement established last year. During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Aoun emphasized that Israeli violations, including the destruction of property in border regions, violate both Lebanese sovereignty and the ceasefire terms agreed upon by the international community.
Guterres pledged to make every effort to ensure a secure Israeli withdrawal by the deadline, remarking on the hopeful prospects for Lebanon under Aoun’s leadership. Aoun, who has previously served as the army chief, indicated strong support for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is responsible for security in the southern region following the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
Amid a backdrop of economic instability in Lebanon, Guterres’ support for Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the international community’s commitment to aiding in Lebanon’s recovery. The Lebanese economy has faced severe challenges, including a near collapse and rising inflation, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts.
As part of the ceasefire terms, Hezbollah is mandated to withdraw from areas beyond the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border, and to dismantle military structures. Guterres reported that UN peacekeepers discovered over 100 weapon caches linked to Hezbollah, reiterating calls for an end to Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon.
The French president has also urged that Israel’s complete withdrawal from the region be expedited and has called for a strengthening of the Lebanese army. Concurrently, the US announced a financial support package of over $117 million for Lebanon, aimed at enhancing security assistance in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The situation in Lebanon is markedly influenced by the historical tensions with Israel, particularly following the 2006 war, which prompted the UN to intervene and establish Resolution 1701. This resolution aimed at ending hostilities and called for the disarmament of militias in southern Lebanon, as well as the deployment of UNIFIL to maintain peace. The ongoing economic turmoil compounded by security incidents has made the role of the Lebanese government and international support crucial in addressing these challenges.
The demand by President Aoun for Israel’s withdrawal by the January deadline highlights the fraught nature of Lebanese-Israeli relations, particularly within the context of UN resolutions. The international community, represented by Guterres, is increasingly focused on supporting Lebanon’s stability and addressing the country’s pressing humanitarian and security needs amid a collapsing economy.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
