Aoun condemns Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and backs UNIFIL’s continued presence

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of continuing to violate a framework agreement reached during talks involving Lebanon, the United States and Israel in Washington. He made the remarks during a meeting in Beirut with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma.

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Aoun said Israeli bombardments and the destruction of southern towns still under occupation amounted to continued breaches of the agreement. He also accused Israel of destroying homes and other property in the area.

Aoun defended the Lebanese army’s operations in areas where it has resumed deployment and rejected criticism of its performance. He said reports questioning the army were intended to damage the armed forces’ reputation and cast doubt on their role and commitment to decisions made by the political authorities.

The president said responsibility for rebuilding southern Lebanon belonged to the Lebanese state. But he warned that reconstruction could not begin while the Israeli occupation continued.

Aoun again called for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, to remain in the south, citing the importance of its work. If its mandate cannot be extended, he said Lebanon would be willing to host any country prepared to carry out similar activities, particularly in support of the army and southern residents in humanitarian, social, health and education services. Beirut is holding contacts over the legal framework for a possible alternative international presence.

Sjoerdsma expressed the Netherlands’ solidarity with Lebanon and its people. He said a visit to Nabatieh in southern Lebanon had shown him the scale of civilian suffering and the war’s impact on lives and communities.