Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Israel’s airstrike in Khiam as treachery, occurring shortly after the Lebanese army’s ceasefire deployment. The strikes, described by Amnesty International as potential war crimes, have heightened regional tensions. Mikati called for accountability and urged international intervention against these aggressive actions.
On Thursday, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Israel’s actions, terming the airstrike on the Lebanese border town of Khiam a deliberate act of “treachery.” This attack occurred less than 24 hours after the Lebanese army began its deployment in the area under a ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States. Mikati’s denunciation emphasized the inconsistency of Israel’s military actions with the commitments made to uphold the truce. During this period, Israeli forces reportedly targeted the town square shortly after the Lebanese army’s entry, further escalating tensions in the region.
This strategic town, situated less than five kilometers from the Israeli border, had previously been under Israeli occupation during military operations that occurred last October. The Lebanese army had recently positioned soldiers in five posts after reports indicated an Israeli withdrawal from Khiam earlier in the day. Prime Minister Mikati criticized the Israeli aggression, urging the involved parties, including the US and France, to take decisive action against such violations of the ceasefire.
Notably, US Central Command leader, General Erik Kurilla, described Israel’s withdrawal as an essential step towards establishing a sustainable cessation of hostilities, having recently conferred with Lebanese Army Chief General Joseph Aoun in Beirut. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the recent wave of Israeli airstrikes, which Amnesty International has termed potential war crimes, has raised alarms about civilian safety and adherence to international law. The organization reported numerous attacks, resulting in significant civilian casualties, and called for an independent investigation into these incidents.
The current conflict in Lebanon involves a fragile ceasefire previously negotiated between Israel and Hezbollah, with significant input from the United States and France. The recent escalation of violence, including airstrikes and military deployments, poses substantial threats to regional stability and peace. The airstrikes on civilian areas have prompted international organizations such as Amnesty International to label the attacks as war crimes, thereby raising the stakes for accountability and international scrutiny of both Israeli military actions and Hezbollah’s responses. The situation is further complicated by the historical context of Israeli occupation and intervention in Lebanon, particularly in territories contiguous to its northern border.
The airstrikes on Khiam and other regions by Israeli forces have not only exacerbated tensions but also undermined attempts to maintain peace following a US-mediated ceasefire. Prime Minister Mikati’s calls for accountability reflect a broader concern regarding adherence to international law and the safety of civilians amidst ongoing hostilities. The involvement of international entities, including the US and the UN, will be crucial in addressing these violations and restoring stability in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
