Lebanese president discusses southern Lebanon, UNIFIL operations with force commander

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed on Wednesday the situation in southern Lebanon and the work of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with the force commander, Gen. Diodato Abagnara, according to the presidency. In the presence of UN Deputy Special Coordinator Imran Riza, Aoun and Abagnara reviewed developments in the south, including difficulties and reported restrictions on UNIFIL movements in its area of operations, as well as the post-mission phase once the force’s mandate ends. Aoun renewed his condolences for UNIFIL members killed in southern Lebanon and praised their role and sacrifices in maintaining peace.

Continued Israeli operations

Despite a US-Iran agreement announced Sunday evening to end military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, the Israeli army carried out demolitions and shelling in several southern Lebanese towns on Monday. Displaced residents have begun returning to some villages, but local municipalities urged caution and called on residents to delay their return. Israel has been conducting a large-scale military campaign in Lebanon since March 2, killing at least 3,783 people and injuring more than 11,699, according to Lebanese Health Ministry figures. More than one million people have been displaced.