Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Israel’s airstrike on Khiam, claiming it was an act of treachery occurring less than 24 hours after the Lebanese army began a deployment under a ceasefire agreement. Israeli forces resumed attacks despite the truce, leading to calls for investigations into war crimes following recent airstrikes that resulted in numerous civilian casualties. Hezbollah pledged to resist ongoing Israeli violations.
Beirut’s Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, condemned Israel for its recent airstrike on the town of Khiam, labeling it an act of “treachery”. This incident occurred shortly after the Lebanese army commenced its deployment in Khiam under a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. Mikati criticized the Israeli forces for resuming their attacks less than a day after the Lebanese military began operating in the region, underscoring the contradiction of Israeli actions against the commitments of the U.S. and France, who supported the ceasefire.
The airstrike targeted the town square, coinciding with the Lebanese army’s entry into the area, as reported by Hezbollah’s Al-Manar station. Despite preparations for deploying 6,000 additional troops to the north, the Lebanese military faced ongoing Israeli violations, including breaches of Lebanese airspace and continued reconnaissance flights over sensitive areas. The Israeli military stated its withdrawal from Khiam as part of the ceasefire yet simultaneously conducted airstrikes and targeted civilian structures, raising concerns about potential war crimes.
Amnesty International emphasized the need for investigations into these airstrikes, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of 49 individuals, noting that many of these strikes failed to warn civilians and potentially constitute war crimes under international law. Hezbollah representatives expressed restraint but reaffirmed their commitment to resist Israeli actions, insisting that past victories against occupation will be mirrored in the current conflict.
Furthermore, the Lebanese Parliament’s Speaker, Nabih Berri, engaged with UN officials regarding recent developments while linked to ongoing negotiations facilitated by Hezbollah. As civil defense teams continue their search for victims of earlier attacks, the situation remains tense, with Mikati urging international accountability for Israeli hostilities.
The recent violence between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated following the ceasefire established last month, after significant conflict in southern Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes have raised international concerns about the adherence to laws governing warfare, specifically regarding civilian safety. The involvement of the U.S. and France as sponsors of the ceasefire agreement highlights international interest in maintaining stability in the region. Hezbollah’s historical resistance against Israeli occupation shapes the current dynamics of their reaction to ongoing hostilities, providing a context for their public statements and military strategies.
In conclusion, the airstrike on Khiam by Israeli forces, occurring shortly after the Lebanese army’s deployment, has drawn significant condemnation from Lebanese officials, particularly Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The situation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire agreement as sustained Israeli military actions continue to threaten stability. The call for investigations into alleged war crimes and ongoing discussions with UN representatives illustrate the complex political and humanitarian issues that persist in Lebanon, necessitating urgent international attention and intervention.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
