Lebanese President Denounces Israeli Bombardment in Southern Lebanon
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Synopsis
On March 22, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon that resulted in two deaths and eight injuries, accusing Israel of violating a ceasefire and threatening wider conflict.
Key Takeaways
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israeli airstrikes.
- Two fatalities and eight injuries reported.
- Israeli actions deemed a violation of ceasefire.
- UNIFIL expressed concern over escalating violence.
- Hezbollah denied involvement in rocket fire.
Beirut, March 22 (NationPress) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday denounced Israeli bombardments in southern Lebanon that resulted in two fatalities and eight injuries, accusing Israel of breaching a ceasefire agreement and jeopardizing broader conflict, as stated by Lebanon's presidency.
Aoun labeled the strikes as "a persistent assault on Lebanon" and cautioned that they signify attempts to "entangle Lebanon in the cycle of violence once more." He urged the Lebanese authorities, including the military and a five-member committee monitoring the US- and French-mediated 2024 truce between Israel and Hezbollah, to tackle the escalation with "the utmost seriousness" to avert further repercussions.
The President instructed Army Commander Rodolphe Haikal to ensure the safety of civilians and investigate the airstrikes while calling for restraint to protect Lebanon's "national interests".
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed concern regarding the violence.
"We strongly urge all parties to abstain from actions that could endanger the fragile stability," spokesperson Andrea Tenenti stated, warning that further escalation could have "serious consequences," Xinhua news agency reported. UNIFIL assured that peacekeepers were conducting patrols to alleviate tensions.
Israel claimed it initiated Saturday's strikes after rockets were fired into northern Israel from Lebanese land, attributing the blame to Hezbollah. The Iran-backed group refuted any involvement.
This exchange transpired amidst ongoing tensions regarding a US- and French-mediated ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which took effect on November 27, 2024, putting an end to over a year of hostilities related to the Gaza conflict.
The truce mandated an Israeli withdrawal from disputed Lebanese territory; however, Israeli forces continue to occupy five border posts beyond a February 18 deadline.
