Lebanese President Calls for European support in Demanding Israeli Withdrawal
BEIRUT, Feb. 5 — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged European nations to back Lebanon in its demand for Israel’s withdrawal from territories occupied during the recent conflict. The appeal came during a meeting in Beirut with Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.
Aoun emphasized the need for the European Union (EU) to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement reached on Nov. 27, 2024, between Israel and Lebanon. He highlighted that the agreement includes the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel, with a deadline set for Feb. 18.
The Lebanese president expressed gratitude for Slovenia’s support at the UN Security Council,where it holds a non-permanent seat untill the end of the year. Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to UN Security council Resolution 1701,insisting that Israel must also adhere to it.
Aoun outlined Lebanon’s priorities following the formation of a new government, focusing on rebuilding areas devastated by Israeli aggression, particularly in the south. He welcomed the EU’s support in these efforts,underscoring the importance of international assistance in the country’s recovery.
For her part, Fajon reaffirmed Slovenia’s solidarity with Lebanon and pledged to coordinate with EU nations to aid in its recovery. She also confirmed that Slovenia would continue advocating for Lebanon at the UN Security Council.
The meeting also addressed bilateral relations,regional developments,and challenges facing both the middle East and Europe,including recent developments in Syria.
The Lebanese caretaker government had previously announced its approval of an extension to the ceasefire agreement with Israel until Feb. 18, after the initial 60-day period expired on Jan. 26 without a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, resulting in casualties. Israel claims these operations are aimed at eliminating threats posed by Hezbollah.
Key Points of the Ceasefire Agreement
Table of Contents
| aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Ceasefire Date | Nov. 27,2024 |
| Prisoner Release | Lebanese prisoners held in Israel to be released by Feb. 18, 2025 |
| Extension | Ceasefire extended until Feb. 18, 2025 |
| UN Resolution | Both parties urged to adhere to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 |
| Rebuilding Efforts | Focus on reconstructing southern Lebanon, with EU support |
As Lebanon navigates the aftermath of the conflict, the international community’s role in ensuring the ceasefire’s full implementation remains critical. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the agreement can bring lasting peace to the region.
Lebanon’s path to Peace: Expert Insights on Ceasefire, Reconstruction, adn International Support
In the wake of the recent conflict between Lebanon and Israel, the international community has been closely monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.Key elements of the deal include the release of Lebanese prisoners, adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and a focus on rebuilding southern Lebanon with EU support. To discuss these critical developments and their implications, Senior Editor John Carter of world-today-news.com sits down with Dr. Layla Al-Mansour, a leading expert on Middle Eastern geopolitics and conflict resolution.
The Ceasefire Agreement: Progress and challenges
John Carter: Dr. Al-Mansour, the ceasefire agreement was hailed as a major step toward de-escalation. How would you assess its progress so far, especially given the extension until February 18, 2025?
Dr. Layla Al-Mansour: The ceasefire has certainly prevented further large-scale hostilities, but its implementation has been uneven. while the release of lebanese prisoners by February 2025 is a positive step, Israel’s continued strikes in southern Lebanon raise concerns about compliance. The extension provides additional time for both parties to address these challenges, but the lack of a complete Israeli withdrawal undermines trust and complicates the path to lasting peace.
The Role of the UN and European Union
John Carter: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on the EU to ensure the ceasefire’s full implementation. What role can international bodies like the UN and the EU play in this process?
Dr. Layla Al-Mansour: International involvement is crucial. The EU’s support for Lebanon’s rebuilding efforts, particularly in the south, demonstrates a commitment to stability. However, adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains a sticking point. Both Israel and hezbollah must be held accountable to this resolution, which calls for the disarmament of non-state actors and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. The UN can act as a mediator,but sustained pressure from the EU and other global powers is essential to ensure compliance.
Rebuilding Southern lebanon: Priorities and Challenges
John Carter: Reconstruction is a key focus for Lebanon, especially in the south. What are the immediate priorities, and what challenges might arise?
Dr. Layla Al-Mansour: The immediate priority is restoring infrastructure, housing, and essential services in communities devastated by the conflict. However, challenges abound. The ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon limits the government’s capacity to fund these efforts. International aid, particularly from the EU, will be vital. Additionally, there’s a need to ensure that reconstruction projects are equitable and transparent, avoiding the pitfalls of corruption that have plagued past efforts.
The Road Ahead: Prospects for Lasting Peace
John Carter: What do you see as the key factors that will determine whether this ceasefire can lead to lasting peace?
Dr. Layla Al-Mansour: Several factors are critical. First, both parties must fully adhere to the ceasefire terms, including prisoner releases and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Second, international support must be sustained, not just for reconstruction but also for political and economic reforms in Lebanon. addressing the root causes of the conflict—such as the status of Hezbollah and the unresolved border disputes—is essential. Without addressing these underlying issues, the risk of renewed hostilities remains high.
Conclusion
The ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel represents a fragile but hopeful step toward peace.As Dr. Layla Al-Mour emphasized, its success hinges on full compliance, sustained international support, and addressing the root causes of the conflict. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether this agreement can pave the way for lasting stability in the region.
