Tensions Ease on Libya Frontlines during Adha

Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)
Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)
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Tensions Ease on Libya Frontlines during Adha

Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)
Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)

Clashes between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) eased on the fronts of Sirte and al-Jufra during Eid al-Adha as officials issued statements on the occasion.

Speaker Aguila Saleh urged all people to reject discord, overcome differences and uphold the interest of the country to preserve its unity, pride and dignity.

In a statement on the eve of the Eid, Saleh called for unity to confront all the dangers that could threaten the country to achieve security and stability and overcome this difficult stage.

The Speaker hoped that next year, Libyans would achieve a real consensus that leads to the unity of state institutions and the formation of a government which meets their expectations.

Saleh has returned to his residence in al-Qubbah in eastern Libya after a two-day visit to Jordan.

As for the LNA leader, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, he extended his congratulations on the occasion of the Eid, without sending any political messages. However, the GNA affirmed its full confidence in the people's ability to overcome the crises and have a better future.

Head of GNA Fayez al-Sarraj said he received a phone call from Tunisian President Kais Saied on the occasion of the Eid, during which discussed the recent developments in Libya and ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) said that the emergency team of the “Mellitah Oil and Gas” company managed to put out a fire that broke out in the Central Bank in Martyrs’ Square caused by a short circuit.

The Corporation extended its congratulations to the Libyan people, on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, hoping that security will prevail across the country. It wished all Libyans unity, especially in these circumstances and the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Earlier, NOC indicated that the number of mercenaries at Ras Lanuf petrochemical complex has recently increased, warning that their presence constitutes a threat to the safety of workers and industrial facilities within the complex.

“There are also a large number of military personnel in worker housing inside the residential area of Ras Lanuf town, in a flagrant violation of the law’s privacy and security,” said the statement.



UN Calls for Independent Probe into Civilians Harmed Trying to Get Food in Gaza

 Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
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UN Calls for Independent Probe into Civilians Harmed Trying to Get Food in Gaza

 Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday slammed as "unacceptable" the deaths of Palestinians seeking food aid in Gaza, a spokesman said, calling the loss of life in the territory "unthinkable".

"The Secretary-General continues to call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for the perpetrators to be held to account," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

"We are witnessing unthinkable loss of life in Gaza (and) the secretary-general condemns the loss of lives and injuries of Palestinians seeking aid," he said. "It is unacceptable civilians are risking and in several instances losing their lives just trying to get food."

At least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded by Israeli fire near a food distribution site in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, local health authorities said, in the third day of chaos and bloodshed to affect the aid operation.

A spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross told Reuters that its field hospital in Rafah received 184 casualties, adding that 19 of those were declared dead upon arrival, and eight died of their wounds shortly after.

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launched its first distribution sites last week in an effort to alleviate widespread hunger amongst Gaza's war-battered population, most of whom have had to abandon their homes to flee fighting.

The Foundation's aid plan, which bypasses traditional aid groups, has come under fierce criticism from the United Nations and established charities which say it does not follow humanitarian principles.

The private group, which is endorsed by Israel, said it distributed 21 truckloads of food early on Tuesday and that the aid operation was "conducted safely and without incident within the site".

However, there have been reports of repeated killings near Rafah as crowds gather to get desperately needed supplies.

On Sunday, Palestinian and international officials reported that at least 31 people were killed and dozens more injured. On Monday, three more Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli fire.

The Israeli military has denied targeting civilians gathering for aid and called reports of deaths during Sunday’s distribution "fabrications" by Hamas.