Lebanon has hit back at Israel for escalating its military operations in southern Lebanon despite repeated calls for negotiations from Beirut. President Joseph Aoun accused the Israeli government of "aggressive behavior" after a series of air strikes targeted civilian areas and killed at least one person.
Aoun's comments came as the situation on the border continues to deteriorate, with tensions running high after Israel's continued presence in five areas of southern Lebanon, despite a November ceasefire. The Lebanese leader said that any negotiation with Israel requires "mutual willingness" – which he claimed was not present.
The US-brokered truce in Gaza last year did little to ease tensions between the two sides, and Aoun's offer for talks this month appears to have been met with further aggression from Israel. Friday's strikes were the latest in a series of air raids that have killed dozens of people in Lebanon, including civilians, first responders, and journalists.
Israel claims its targets are Hezbollah militants but many of those struck by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon have been unarmed civilians. The UN human rights commission has reported that Israeli forces have killed 111 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire began.
Aoun warned that Lebanon's military would not stand idly by as Israeli aggression continues, saying "true patriotism means sovereignty, independence and freedom" for his country. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem also called on the government to address Israel's violations and take action to achieve national sovereignty – a demand that has been met with resistance from US authorities who are pressing Lebanon to disarm its militant groups.
Lebanese officials have urged their German counterparts to put pressure on Israel to stop its attacks, with Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi stating that only a diplomatic solution can ensure stability in the region. The situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in and refusing to back down.
Aoun's comments came as the situation on the border continues to deteriorate, with tensions running high after Israel's continued presence in five areas of southern Lebanon, despite a November ceasefire. The Lebanese leader said that any negotiation with Israel requires "mutual willingness" – which he claimed was not present.
The US-brokered truce in Gaza last year did little to ease tensions between the two sides, and Aoun's offer for talks this month appears to have been met with further aggression from Israel. Friday's strikes were the latest in a series of air raids that have killed dozens of people in Lebanon, including civilians, first responders, and journalists.
Israel claims its targets are Hezbollah militants but many of those struck by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon have been unarmed civilians. The UN human rights commission has reported that Israeli forces have killed 111 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire began.
Aoun warned that Lebanon's military would not stand idly by as Israeli aggression continues, saying "true patriotism means sovereignty, independence and freedom" for his country. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem also called on the government to address Israel's violations and take action to achieve national sovereignty – a demand that has been met with resistance from US authorities who are pressing Lebanon to disarm its militant groups.
Lebanese officials have urged their German counterparts to put pressure on Israel to stop its attacks, with Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi stating that only a diplomatic solution can ensure stability in the region. The situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in and refusing to back down.
this is getting crazy... i feel so bad for those innocent civilians caught in the middle of all this violence. it's like they're being played out as pawns on a chessboard between these two powerful nations. where does it end? and what's really driving these actions - are we just going to keep escalating until someone loses? 
i wish world leaders would take a step back and try to see things from each other's perspective, you know? it's all about people getting hurt on both sides... and for what? so some countries can exercise their power over others? no way. let's hope we can find a peaceful resolution soon 
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. The UN human rights commission's report on Israeli forces killing 111 civilians in Lebanon is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of this conflict.
. After all, as Aoun said, "true patriotism means sovereignty, independence and freedom" – let's not forget that the people of Lebanon deserve better than to be caught in the crossfire 
I'm telling you, something's not right here... Lebanon is just playing along, but what if they're being pulled into this by external forces? 
It seems like the US is trying to keep the leash on Lebanon, pushing them to disarm Hezbollah so Israel can breathe a sigh of relief. 
It also makes me wonder, why is Germany not doing more to put pressure on Israel? Are they in cahoots or something? 
Like, what even is the point of having a ceasefire if they're just gonna keep bombing civilian areas?! 
And for what? So they can say they've taken out some Hezbollah militants?! 
I mean who wants to negotiate w/ someone who's just gonna keep bombing u?! 
Lebanon needs 2 stand up 4 itself & protect its people 
It's so unfair 
I'm really worried about Lebanon's situation right now... 
111 people have been killed already since the ceasefire started... how many more can we lose before something changes? 
The US is getting involved too, which just makes things worse - they're all about disarmament and control... it's like they want to strangle Lebanon's freedom. 
️ Can't we just talk this out like normal people? 
. And yeah, the UN human rights commission needs to be on top of this, reporting on those civilian casualties... it's a tragedy 
the situation is volatile and both sides need to calm down – it's just not worth it 
. And now, with Aoun's offer for talks being met with further aggression from Israel, it feels like we're right back where we started 
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. It's time for some real compromise and a willingness to listen 
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! Aoun's all about mutual willingness, right? that's a pretty optimistic take on things, if you ask me 
. I mean, can't we just try to get along and find a way forward from here? the US-brokered truce in Gaza didn't exactly work out, but that doesn't mean we give up 
. And honestly, 111 civilian casualties since the ceasefire began? that's just heartbreaking 
... can't we all just try to reduce the violence and find a way to live in peace? 
. anyway, i'm sittin here thinkin, if anyone can get israel to stop this mess, it's germany 
. they need to put some pressure on israel or somethin' 