Aoun accuses Israel of framework deal violations in southern Lebanon
President Joseph Aoun accused Israel on Thursday of violating the U.S.-brokered framework deal, as it intensified its attacks around the Ali al-Taher hill in south Lebanon.
Despite the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon and a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, Lebanon still reports Israeli strikes, artillery shelling and broad demolitions of civilian buildings in southern villages and towns.
Israeli attacks have killed at least 8,920 people since hostilities initially erupted in October 2023.
Aoun said the army is fully carrying out its duties in the pilot zones, adding that rebuilding south Lebanon cannot be done under Israeli occupation.
He said Lebanon would welcome any friendly nation willing to take over once UNIFIL’s mandate ends on December 2026, particularly in supporting the army and local residents across humanitarian, social, health, and educational fields. "Talks are currently underway to establish a legal framework for such an international presence," he said.
France and Italy have said they want to set up a multinational coalition to succeed the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon, and the EU is looking to launch a mission to train the Lebanese army in the coming months -- but it said it would not replace the U.N. peacekeeping force.
Source: Naharnet
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