Lebanon Demands Full Ceasefire, Parallel Troop Withdrawal from Israel

Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has demanded a complete and unconditional ceasefire with Israel, emphasizing that any agreement must include a parallel withdrawal of forces.

In a statement carried by the National News Agency, Berri outlined principles for ending the conflict, insisting the ceasefire must be comprehensive across land, sea, and air. He also rejected any destruction of infrastructure during the ceasefire's implementation, calling for a full cessation of hostilities without further damage to civilian facilities or public assets.

Berri specifically rejected the notion that Hezbollah should withdraw from south of the Litani River before Israel pulls back from Lebanese territory it occupies. "Hezbollah's withdrawal from the Litani River South must run parallel with Israel's withdrawal from the territories it occupies," he stated.

This demand comes as the United States mediates negotiations to extend a 10-day ceasefire, which has been renewed twice and is set to expire mid-June. While talks continue in Washington, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Israel continues air strikes and evacuation warnings in Lebanon, while Hezbollah accuses Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire terms. The ongoing conflict, which escalated in March, has displaced over 1.1 million people in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities and UN agencies. Israeli forces have reportedly advanced over 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, marking their deepest incursion during the current hostilities.