Red Cross Facilitates Release of Lebanese Detainees from Israeli Custody
The Red Cross has received five Lebanese detainees from Israel, following an announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of their release as a goodwill gesture toward Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun. The move follows discussions in Naqoura aimed at stabilizing the region, including addressing military withdrawals and prisoner release. A fragile ceasefire remains in effect following recent hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
On a recent Tuesday evening, the Red Cross facilitated the release of five Lebanese detainees, previously held by the Israeli army. This action follows a decision from Israel to approve their release as a gesture of goodwill towards Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun. The detainees were subsequently taken to the Lebanese Italian Hospital located in Tyre, a southern city.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this release, stating it was intended as a goodwill gesture. This announcement was made after a collaborative meeting in Naqoura, which included representatives from the Israeli military, United States, France, and Lebanon. The discussions in Naqoura resulted in an agreement to establish three joint working groups aimed at stabilizing the region.
These groups are tasked with addressing critical matters, including Israel’s withdrawal from five locations in southern Lebanon and reviewing the land borders between Israel and Lebanon prior to the recent conflict. Moreover, the negotiations aim to resolve the issue regarding the release of saboteurs detained in Israel since the onset of the war.
Information remains scant on the total number of Lebanese prisoners still held by Israel. Lebanon continues to advocate for Israeli withdrawal from five contested Lebanese hills and demands the return of prisoners taken during the recent conflict. Since November 2024, a tenuous ceasefire has been in effect, terminating months of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that had escalated into broader conflict last September.
The ceasefire agreement initially required Israel to withdraw completely from southern Lebanon by January 26, but this deadline has since been postponed to February 18 due to Israel’s noncompliance. Presently, Israel retains a military presence at five outposts along the border. According to Lebanese authorities, there have been approximately 1,100 violations of the ceasefire by Israel, resulting in the loss of at least 85 lives and injuring more than 280 individuals.
In summary, the release of five Lebanese detainees by the Red Cross marks a significant development in relations between Lebanon and Israel, following a goodwill gesture announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The establishment of joint working groups aims to facilitate further negotiations on key issues, including military withdrawal and prisoner release. Ongoing tensions and ceasefire violations highlight the fragile stability in the region as both nations seek resolution in their disputed territories.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
