The Red Cross received five Lebanese detainees from Israel, following their capture during the war. Prime Minister Netanyahu termed their release a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s president. The situation was discussed in a meeting that formed joint groups to stabilize the region. Meanwhile, a ceasefire remains in effect, with documented violations from Israel.
On Tuesday evening, the Red Cross facilitated the transfer of five Lebanese detainees from Israel. This event occurred weeks after their capture during ongoing hostilities. Following their release, the detainees were taken to the Lebanese Italian Hospital in Tyre, situated in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the approval for the detainees’ release as a ‘goodwill gesture’ towards Lebanon’s new President Joseph Aoun. This announcement emerged after a four-way meeting in Naqoura, which included discussions among the Israeli military, US, France, and Lebanese representatives.
The talks in Naqoura concluded with an agreement to establish three joint working groups. These groups will tackle essential regional stability issues, such as Israel’s withdrawal from five specific locations in southern Lebanon and reassessing the pre-war border. They will also cover the status of saboteurs detained in Israel since the onset of the conflict.
Details regarding the total number of Lebanese prisoners in Israel remain unspecified. Lebanon demands the retreat of Israeli troops from five contentious hills and seeks the release of Lebanese prisoners captured during the recent warfare.
Since November 2024, a tenuous ceasefire has prevailed in Lebanon following extensive cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that began in September. Originally, Israel was expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 due to non-compliance. Currently, Israeli military presence persists at five border outposts.
Reportedly, Lebanese authorities have documented nearly 1,100 ceasefire violations by Israel, which resulted in at least 85 fatalities and over 280 injuries.
The recent transfer of five Lebanese detainees highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. Israel’s release is viewed as a goodwill gesture amid complex negotiations involving multiple nations. The establishment of working groups aims to address critical issues, including military withdrawal and prisoner releases. The fragile ceasefire remains under strain, with numerous violations reported.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
