Lebanon denies reports that IOF will maintain presence at 5 border pts

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen + Agencies
26 Jan 2025 23:59
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The Lebanese presidency says President Joseph Aoun continues his communications with relevant parties involved in the ceasefire agreement to ensure the completion of the Israeli withdrawal.

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Lebanese residents gather in Borj al-Mulouk on January 26, 2025, while an Israeli military vehicle takes its position at a roadblock (AFP)

The Presidency Press Office denied reports circulated by media outlets claiming that Lebanon was informed that the Israeli military would remain at five border points for 15 more days.

The office also refuted claims that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun informed the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee of his rejection of this arrangement.

The office clarified that Aoun continues his internal and external communications with relevant parties involved in the ceasefire agreement to ensure the completion of the Israeli withdrawal from the remaining occupied southern villages.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health confirmed that the toll from Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon on Sunday has risen to 22 martyrs, including six women, and 124 others injured, including 12 women, nine children, and a paramedic.

The ministry said Israeli occupation forces opened fire on "citizens who were trying to return to their villages that are still under (Israeli) occupation."

The martyrs were distributed as follows: five in Aytaroun, three in Houla, four in Maarakeh, four in Kfar Kila, one in Odaisseh, one in Blida, and three in Mays al-Jabal. Among the victims was a Lebanese army soldier, Mohammad Youssef Zohour, who was killed in the town of al-Dhayrah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had announced that the Israeli military would not meet the deadline set for its withdrawal from southern Lebanon, in a breach of the terms of the ceasefire agreement that ended the war.

Under the ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese Army is required to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon as the Israeli military completes its withdrawal over a 60-day period.

Hezbollah is obligated to pull its forces back north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.

Beirut strongly condemns deliberate Israeli attacks

On its part, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants strongly condemned the deliberate Israeli attacks on Lebanese civilians seeking to return to their occupied villages within the timeframe specified by the ceasefire agreement.

The Ministry affirmed in a statement that Lebanon has fully adhered to the ceasefire agreement, while the Israeli side, "which is equally obligated to implement it, evades its commitments, particularly regarding the withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories."

Beirut called on the sponsors of the agreement and all international parties concerned with stability and calm in southern Lebanon to condemn "Israel’s" attacks on civilians.

It also urged increased pressure to compel "Israel" to adhere to its obligations under the agreement and to immediately and unconditionally withdraw from all occupied Lebanese territories "so that the Lebanese Armed Forces can fully extend their authority over southern Lebanese lands in accordance with the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701."

Earlier on Sunday, the Lebanese president commented on the return of residents to southern Lebanon's border villages, marking the end of the 60-day deadline for the Israeli withdrawal.

He stressed, “I join our people in the south in celebrating the victory of truth,” urging them to exercise self-restraint while trusting the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Aoun stressed that "Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable," adding, "I am following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity."

The Lebanese president’s message to the people of southern Lebanon also read, "Today is a victory for Lebanon and the Lebanese people, a victory for truth, sovereignty, and national unity. As I share this immense joy with you, I urge you to exercise self-control and trust the Lebanese Armed Forces, who are committed to protecting our sovereignty and security, ensuring your safe return to your homes and towns."

He concluded his statement by affirming, "The Lebanese Army stands with you, wherever you are, and remains dedicated to safeguarding your security. Together, we will remain stronger and united under the banner of Lebanon."