The president of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, applauded this Friday the release of five Lebanese citizens detained by the Israeli authorities in the south of the country, pointing out that it is a “first step” within the framework of the agreement with Israel, facilitated by the United States, to regain the sovereignty of its territory.
In a statement, the Lebanese leader indicated his gratitude “for all the efforts and efforts made,” especially highlighting the United States and international entities, among which he points out the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
These efforts “have led to the release of the first group of Lebanese detainees by the Israeli Government,” Aoun reaffirmed.
“This first measure reaffirms the validity of the firm Lebanese position, in all its components, as well as the need to complete the required steps, as established within the framework of the tripartite mechanism,” he insisted, highlighting that this agreement will allow “to restore complete Lebanese sovereignty.”
“Without undermining even one centimeter of our land, nor missing a single human being from our people,” he stressed, emphasizing that he will continue fighting to “achieve all national demands and objectives.” Beirut has been demanding the release of 34 detainees by the Israeli authorities within the framework of the occupation of southern Lebanon.
This Friday, the ICRC confirmed the transfer to Lebanon of five people released by the Israeli authorities, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the measure after it was determined in interrogations that “they are civilians” and are not involved in “terrorist actions.”