Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun demands Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, following a ceasefire agreement. During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, calls were made to respect Lebanese sovereignty amidst ongoing Israeli military actions. The international community, led by the UN and the United States, pledges support as tensions remain with Hezbollah’s accusations against Israel.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has proclaimed that Israel must vacate southern Lebanon by a January 26 deadline, established under last year’s ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. This demand follows a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who reiterated calls for an end to Israeli occupation in the region. President Aoun stated that ongoing Israeli violations undermine Lebanese sovereignty and the international community’s stance on the matter.
Guterres expressed commitment to facilitating a secure Israeli withdrawal within the stipulated timeframe, envisioning a more stable future for Lebanon under Aoun’s leadership. This comes in light of a two-year political impasse that further destabilized the nation amidst Israeli incursions and economic distress. Aoun, a former army chief, has shown support for the UN peacekeeping forces in the south, tasked with ensuring compliance with UN Resolution 1701, which ceased hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.
The UN chief’s visit emphasized backing for Lebanon’s leadership, amidst economic turmoil characterized by a nearing bankrupt state and depreciating currency. Guterres affirmed the international community’s readiness to assist Lebanon’s recovery efforts as Israeli military presence gradually declines. As part of the ceasefire, Hezbollah is required to pull back beyond the Litani River and dismantle military assets. UN inspectors revealed extensive weapons caches linked to Hezbollah in the south, underscoring the need for adherence to the ceasefire agreement.
During his recent visit, French President Emmanuel Macron urged for an expedited withdrawal of Israeli forces and enhanced support for the Lebanese Army. Concurrently, the United States has announced a financial package exceeding $117 million to bolster Lebanese military and security forces, aligning with the enforcement of Resolution 1701. Both the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers continue their efforts in southern Lebanon, countering allegations of ongoing Israeli ceasefire breaches.
Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, remarked that Israeli violations have occurred “hundreds” of times, urging caution from Israel regarding Lebanese patience in the face of these breaches. The call to action serves as a reminder of the fragile conditions in the region, necessitating adherence to international agreements for lasting peace.
The article addresses the ongoing geopolitical tension surrounding Lebanon and Israel, particularly the obligations and expectations following a ceasefire agreement established last year. It contextualizes the leadership of President Joseph Aoun in a backdrop of political instability and military conflict, alongside the rising demands for national sovereignty and international support. Key players involved include the UN, the United States, and France, all contributing to the discourse on Lebanese security and territorial integrity.
In summary, President Aoun has asserted the necessity for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 26, in line with the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. UN Chief Guterres has pledged support for this timeline, while the international community prepares to assist Lebanon amid ongoing economic hardships. The situation remains delicate, with Hezbollah’s leadership calling out repeated Israeli violations, emphasizing the need for compliance with international resolutions to avert further conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
