Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Thursday that Israel continues its aggressions on villages and towns in the South, despite a declared ceasefire. The President noted, "Israeli violations are ongoing in the South despite the announcement of a ceasefire, as well as the demolition and bulldozing of homes and places of worship, while the numbers of victims and wounded are rising day after day." This persistent destruction, President Aoun emphasized, targets the very fabric of communities, impacting both residential structures and sacred sites. He added that these assaults do not spare medics and volunteers, with approximately 17 medics from the Lebanese Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations killed thus far. He described their work as "the pinnacle of sacrifice," noting that rescue missions are pre-reported for protection. President Aoun further noted the profound human cost of these ongoing aggressions, showing the daily increase in casualties and wounded individuals as a direct consequence of the sustained violence.
Escalating Violence in the South
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun asserted that Israel persists in destroying and leveling homes and places of worship in the South. This systematic destruction, he noted, has a devastating impact on the civilian population, forcing displacement and eroding the infrastructure of daily life. President Aoun stated that these ongoing attacks do not spare medics and volunteers operating in the affected areas, who are often on the front lines providing critical assistance to those injured or displaced. He also noted that journalists are being targeted amid the escalating violence, impeding the ability to document and report on the unfolding situation. The President’s remarks showed a troubling pattern where those dedicated to saving lives and informing the public are themselves becoming casualties. Aoun further noted that rescue missions by humanitarian organizations are reported in advance to relevant parties, a measure intended to ensure the protection of personnel involved in these critical operations. Despite these precautions and the clear identification of humanitarian efforts, attacks continue to impact those providing aid and documenting events on the ground, raising serious concerns about adherence to international humanitarian law. The President stressed that the rising numbers of victims and wounded reflect a severe disregard for civilian safety and the principles governing armed conflict.
Call for International Intervention
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the necessity of international pressure on Israel to compel adherence to international laws and agreements. President Aoun stressed that Israel must cease its targeting of civilians, medics, civil defense personnel, and humanitarian and relief organizations operating in the region. He called upon the international community to exert its influence to ensure that these fundamental protections are respected and upheld. Aoun stated yesterday, Wednesday, that Israel must recognize that negotiations represent the only viable path to achieving security. He elaborated that true security cannot be attained through military aggression or the targeting of non-combatants, but rather through diplomatic engagement and a commitment to peaceful resolution. Aoun added that for any progress to occur, Israel must first implement a full ceasefire, arguing that a cessation of hostilities is a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue or de-escalation efforts. He reiterated that the international community has a key role to play in facilitating such a ceasefire and ensuring its enforcement, thereby creating an environment conducive to negotiations and the protection of civilian lives.
Prisoner Concerns and ICRC Blockade
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also reiterated his call for assistance to help Lebanon ascertain the fate of Lebanese prisoners held in Israeli jails. This humanitarian concern, he noted, remains a significant point of distress for the families and the Lebanese state. President Aoun stated that Israel continues to refuse access for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to communicate with these Lebanese prisoners. This denial of access, he noted, is a violation of international humanitarian norms that mandate access for humanitarian organizations to detainees. He emphasized the importance of international efforts to ensure transparency regarding the status and whereabouts of those detained, stressing that families have a right to information and prisoners have a right to external contact and monitoring. The President urged international bodies and states to intervene and facilitate ICRC access, ensuring the well-being and rights of the Lebanese prisoners are respected in accordance with international law.