Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, labeling them a 'blatant violation of an international agreement.' The attacks occurred on the eve of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday and were described by President Aoun as 'conclusive evidence' of Israel's rejection of regional peace.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli warplanes conducted eight airstrikes on the suburbs, marking the fourth such offensive since a ceasefire agreement was established between Israel and Lebanon on November 27, 2024. The assault was initially preceded by seven warning strikes from Israeli drones, as reported by Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Following the initial attacks, two additional strikes-one by warplanes and another by drones-targeted the town of Ain Qana in southern Lebanon's Iqlim al-Tuffah region. These actions came after an Israeli evacuation warning, escalating tensions further.
President Aoun criticized the strikes, emphasizing that they violate international norms, United Nations resolutions, and basic human decency, particularly during a sacred religious holiday. He highlighted that the attacks are a message to the United States and its policies, conveyed through the suffering of innocent civilians in Beirut.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also expressed condemnation, describing the strikes as a 'systematic and deliberate assault on Lebanon's security, stability, and economy.' He called on the international community to take responsibility in deterring Israel and ensuring its full withdrawal from Lebanese territories.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri joined in the denunciation, stating that the Israeli aggression targets not just one sect or region but all Lebanese and Arabs, even during their holiest celebrations.
Despite the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, Israeli forces have continued near-daily attacks in southern Lebanon, citing efforts to target Hezbollah's activities. Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 violations of the truce by Israel, resulting in the deaths of at least 208 people and injuries to more than 500.
The ceasefire deal required Israel to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 after Tel Aviv's initial non-compliance. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.