Beirut, April 30 (NationPress) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged for a more robust oversight of the committee responsible for the ceasefire mechanism in southern Lebanon, emphasizing the need for ongoing international pressure on Israel to cease its violations, withdraw from occupied territories, and liberate Lebanese detainees.

His statements were made during a meeting with US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, outgoing head of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, US Major General Jasper Jeffers, and incoming committee head Major General Michael Leeney, who officially began his role on Wednesday.

A statement from Lebanon's presidency indicated that Aoun highlighted, "the Lebanese army is diligently fulfilling its responsibilities in the south, particularly south of the Litani River, where it actively confiscates weapons and ammunition while dismantling armed groups."

He noted that Israel's occupation of five strategic hills and its continuous violations are the primary barriers to the full deployment of the army.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also engaged with the delegation, asserting that the Lebanese army "is expanding its deployment to regain control over all Lebanese territory."

A report from the National News Agency (NNA) mentioned that Salam emphasized the "necessity for Israel to end its violations of the agreement and cease its attacks across various regions," as reported by Xinhua.

Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri also met with the US delegation, cautioning that "Israel's daily violations and aggressions hinder Lebanon's recovery, stability, reform, and sovereignty," urging the United States to "apply pressure on Israel for the immediate implementation of the agreement aimed at enforcing UN Resolution 1701."

Leeney assured that "the committee will commence regular meetings to closely monitor the situation."

Despite the ceasefire brokered by the US and France that has been in effect since November 27, 2024, Israeli forces have intermittently conducted strikes within Lebanon, including machine gun fire, artillery shelling, and air raids, some resulting in casualties, according to official Lebanese reports.

The agreement mandated the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, yet Israel maintains a presence on five hilltops along the Lebanese border.

Meanwhile, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza urged for immediate international aid to address the severe aftermath of the conflict in southern Lebanon, as stated by the United Nations Information Center on Wednesday.

Riza made these remarks following his visit to Lebanon's southern regions of Bint Jbeil and Tyre.

He pointed out the extensive devastation to villages, healthcare facilities, and vital infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent requirement for sustained humanitarian assistance to restore essential services and aid the region's recovery journey.

He also stressed the need to address the profound psychological impacts of the conflict, especially on children and families.