Lebanon’s President Aoun requested French support for the removal of Israeli forces from Lebanese occupied territories and highlighted ongoing violations and humanitarian issues. Israeli military presence remains a concern, affecting civilian safety. A tragic incident involved a child fatality from an Israeli drone strike. Security operations targeting illegal arms continue in the region, amidst political changes involving Hezbollah leadership.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has urged France to advocate for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories recently occupied amid ongoing conflicts. He made this appeal during his meeting with French Ambassador to Lebanon, Herve Magro, emphasizing the need for pressure to be applied to prevent daily violations and expedite the release of Lebanese prisoners.
Israeli military forces continue to occupy positions behind an earthen barrier west of Mays Al-Jabal, while Lebanese troops maintain proximity. Reports indicate destruction of several homes in Rab El Thalathine and Yaroun by Israeli forces, intensifying tensions in these border areas.
Israeli troops maintain fortified positions with barriers and snipers in strategic locations like Yaroun and Maroun Al-Ras. Their withdrawal from the border area has been extended until February 18, following a 23-day extension sanctioned by the US.
Tragically, Wajih Zahwi, a 7-year-old boy, succumbed to injuries from an Israeli drone strike on January 29, which occurred amid civilian returns to their villages, violating a ceasefire agreement.
The Ramiyah municipality was informed about plans to establish two army posts in the town and open secondary roads. Engineering teams are set to survey for remnants of Israeli aggression in the region.
In a concerning development, a foreign photojournalist claimed she faced threats from the Israeli army in Taybeh, southern Lebanon. Courtney Bonneau recounted that the Israeli military warned her through UNIFIL of potential gunfire if she did not vacate the area.
Internal Security Forces have been active in combating illegal weapons, recently seizing a vehicle containing arms and arresting two Lebanese men connected to the arms smuggling from Syria.
On a related note, military police seized a weapons shipment originating from a Hezbollah warehouse in Wardaniyeh, further highlighting ongoing security concerns in the region.
In governance changes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem as his representative for religious administration in Lebanon. Qassem’s appointment follows the death of Hassan Nasrallah and shows Iran’s continued involvement in Lebanese affairs.
The situation in Lebanon is marked by ongoing conflicts with Israel, particularly concerning border territory and military presence. Lebanon’s President Aoun is working to secure international support for reclaiming occupied areas and addressing humanitarian issues such as the imprisonment of Lebanese citizens. The context includes military actions, civilian casualties, and heightened tension along the Israel-Lebanon border, compounded by the presence of Hezbollah and Iranian political maneuvers in the region.
President Aoun has taken a strong stance in urging French support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and civilian safety amid ongoing Israeli military presence. The complexities of this situation include civilian casualties from military actions, violations of ceasefire agreements, and Hezbollah’s role in regional politics. The recent developments underscore the fragile security as both Lebanon and Israel navigate this long-standing conflict, requiring critical international engagement.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
