President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon demands Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 26, following a ceasefire agreement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has advocated for this withdrawal and pledged support for Lebanon. Allegations of continued Israeli violations complicate peace efforts, while international leaders seek to stabilize the region through support for the Lebanese military and economy.
Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun has asserted that Israel must withdraw from southern Lebanon by the deadline of January 26, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement established last year. His comments were made following a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has called for an end to Israel’s continued occupation of the area. President Aoun’s office emphasized that ongoing Israeli military actions undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and contradict the terms of the ceasefire.
During his visit to Lebanon, Guterres pledged to facilitate a secure withdrawal of Israeli forces by the designated deadline and remarked on the potential for a hopeful future for Lebanon under President Aoun’s leadership. The recent election of Aoun ended a protracted two-year political vacuum and is seen as pivotal for stabilizing the country amidst external pressures and economic hardships. The President, a former army chief, expressed strong support for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), tasked with ensuring peace in the southern region.
In light of the ceasefire terms, Hezbollah is required to withdraw beyond the Litani River and dismantle its military presence. Reports indicate that UN peacekeepers have discovered numerous weapons caches in southern Lebanon, further highlighting the complexities facing the region. French President Emmanuel Macron is advocating for a swift and complete Israeli exit and has underscored the need to bolster the Lebanese military.
While visiting Lebanon, Guterres announced additional support for the country, with the United States committing over $117 million for security assistance for both the Lebanese army and security forces. Concerns regarding repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire have been voiced by Lebanon’s military and government officials, with Hezbollah’s leadership noting numerous infractions by Israeli forces, calling for patience in the face of such violations.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon has a long history, primarily revolving around territorial disputes and military confrontations, particularly involving the militant group Hezbollah. The installation of a ceasefire agreement in November 2022 aimed to curb hostilities and stabilize the region temporarily. Following a two-year absence of a president, the election of Joseph Aoun reflects the international community’s efforts to establish a stable governance structure in Lebanon, capable of addressing both military and economic crises.
The call from President Joseph Aoun for Israel to withdraw from Lebanon by January 26 highlights the fraught dynamics in the region following the recent ceasefire. The situation remains complicated by ongoing military violations and the local financial crisis, necessitating international support to enhance stability and security in Lebanon. The commitment from international leaders, particularly regarding military and financial assistance, indicates a concerted effort to reinforce Lebanon’s sovereignty and re-establish peace.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
