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 Human Rights Office Concerned About Israeli Strikes on Civilians in Lebanon 

Smoke rises above south Lebanon following an Israeli strike amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, May 5, 2024. (Reuters) 
Smoke rises above south Lebanon following an Israeli strike amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, May 5, 2024. (Reuters) 
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UN Human Rights Office Concerned About Israeli Strikes on Civilians in Lebanon 

Smoke rises above south Lebanon following an Israeli strike amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, May 5, 2024. (Reuters) 
Smoke rises above south Lebanon following an Israeli strike amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, May 5, 2024. (Reuters) 

The United Nations human rights office is concerned about the protection of civilians in Lebanon as Israeli military operations have continued to kill civilians since the ceasefire.

"Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue to kill and injure civilians, and destroy civilian infrastructure, raising concerns regarding the protection of civilians," the spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the High Commissioner of Human Rights, Thameen Al-Kheetan, told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday.

At least 71 civilians - including 14 women and nine children - have been killed by Israeli forces in Lebanon, since the ceasefire came into effect on 27 November last year, and 92,000 are still displaced, according to OHCHR.

"We are calling for investigations into all allegations of violations...Each and every military action where civilians are killed must be investigated," Al-Kheetan said.

"The ceasefire must hold and any escalation is a risk for stability in general in Lebanon, Israel and the whole region," he added.