Lebanon Calls for International Action to Halt Israeli Violations

According to local reports, Israeli forces burned several homes in the town of Beit Yahoun in the Bint Jbeil district on Monday and carried out a demolition operation in the town of Markaba in the Marjeyoun district in southern Lebanon.

Developments in southern Lebanon remain at the center of attention as both sides face a critical test. Lebanese authorities are overseeing the implementation of pilot zones, beginning with the town of Zawtar Al-Gharbiyah, while Israel's willingness to carry out a gradual withdrawal remains under scrutiny. Lebanese political and military officials have expressed concern that Israel intends to maintain a long-term presence in occupied areas of southern Lebanon despite the framework agreement. The issue is expected to be discussed during negotiations scheduled to take place in Rome next week.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said he was not optimistic about achieving positive outcomes, arguing that developments in the pilot zones confirmed Lebanon's concerns. He stressed that the only acceptable course is the full implementation of the ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Government sources told local media that Lebanon considers a renewed war unlikely, citing pressure from major international powers, including the United States, to prevent further escalation. However, officials remain concerned that Israel may fail to honor its commitments. They added that Lebanon's current priorities are securing a full Israeli withdrawal and keeping Lebanese territory out of any potential confrontation between the United States and Iran.

A member of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, Ali Fayyad, said disagreements between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government had become "deep and acute," extending beyond political differences to disagreements over Lebanon's identity, strategic choices, and internal balance. He argued that the government's negotiations with Israel had gone further than expected and criticized its handling of the talks.

Aoun Calls for International Action

During a meeting with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk at Baabda Palace, Aoun said Israel's continued destruction of homes and villages in occupied areas of southern Lebanon constitutes "a direct violation of human rights and a clear breach of international law," calling for international action to stop what he described as a destructive campaign.

He also accused Israel of targeting religious and cultural sites, saying such locations are civilian in nature and not used for military purposes. Aoun added that the conflict had delayed further domestic reforms, while stressing that the Lebanese government remains committed to implementing additional reforms.

According to the Lebanese presidency, Türk reaffirmed the UN's close monitoring of developments in Lebanon, including continued Israeli military actions since March 2, and said the Office of the High Commissioner is preparing a detailed report documenting alleged human rights violations while continuing to support Lebanon through international assistance efforts.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also met with Türk and his delegation, expressing support for the UN experts' work in documenting potential violations of international humanitarian law since October 2023, including the collection of evidence related to possible war crimes.