Aguila Affirms Libya’s Support for Palestinian Cause

Palestinian Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh lays a wreath at the memorial for the martyrs of the Italian colonization of Libya in Tripoli (Wafa)
Palestinian Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh lays a wreath at the memorial for the martyrs of the Italian colonization of Libya in Tripoli (Wafa)
TT

Aguila Affirms Libya’s Support for Palestinian Cause

Palestinian Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh lays a wreath at the memorial for the martyrs of the Italian colonization of Libya in Tripoli (Wafa)
Palestinian Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh lays a wreath at the memorial for the martyrs of the Italian colonization of Libya in Tripoli (Wafa)

Libyan Speaker Aguila Saleh and visiting Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh reviewed on Tuesday Libyan-Palestinian relations as well as developments in Libya and the Palestinian territories.

During a meeting in the city of Al Qubbah, the Speaker stressed Libya's firm position in support of the Palestinian people and unlimited backing of their rights.

“The meeting reviewed Libyan-Palestinian relations and Libya's position in support of the Palestinian cause, as well as developments in the Palestinian territories, and a number of issues of common concern,” said Abdullah Bliheg, spokesperson for the Libyan House of Representatives.

The Palestinian PM expressed hope that Libya would overcome its crisis by holding general elections and maintaining its unity away from tension, according to sources close to the meeting.

He also valued Libya’s position in support of the Palestinian cause in all international forums, praising the role of the Speaker in support of the cause, Bliheg said.

The Speaker’s press office said the Palestinian official offered Saleh a painting of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Late Monday, Shtayyeh met with his Libyan counterpart, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in the Libyan capital and briefed him on the latest political developments in Palestine.

Shtayyeh arrived in Libya Sunday on a two-day visit for talks on bilateral relations between the two countries, and the latest developments on the Palestinian cause.

The PM’s visit to Tripoli comes two days after an initial agreement between Palestinian Economy Minister Khaled Al-Osaili and his Libyan counterpart Muhammad Ali Al-Hawij to develop and strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Palestine and Libya, and to increase the volume of trade exchange between both sides.



Lebanese Army Deploys South as Israel Withdraws from Border Villages

Civil Defense teams in Tyre are returning the bodies of those killed during the war for their final burial (Reuters)
Civil Defense teams in Tyre are returning the bodies of those killed during the war for their final burial (Reuters)
TT

Lebanese Army Deploys South as Israel Withdraws from Border Villages

Civil Defense teams in Tyre are returning the bodies of those killed during the war for their final burial (Reuters)
Civil Defense teams in Tyre are returning the bodies of those killed during the war for their final burial (Reuters)

Tensions remain high on Lebanon's southern border, with Israel continuing to violate the ceasefire daily. Efforts are underway, both within Lebanon and internationally, to prevent another war.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army is completing its deployment in the south as Israeli forces pull out of villages they had entered.

Lebanese officials are hopeful for calm and expect all parties to stick to the agreement. The monitoring committee is set to begin its work soon, with the French general arriving on Wednesday, following the American general who will lead the committee.

Their first meeting will be on Thursday, according to military sources.

As Israel began pulling out its troops and equipment from villages in southern Lebanon, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported on Tuesday that the Lebanese Army had stepped up its presence in Tyre and nearby areas to ensure security.

This marks the start of the Army’s redeployment in the south, especially in border villages.

The Lebanese Army also announced it is recruiting volunteers to strengthen its forces in the south and help implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 after the ceasefire.

The ceasefire agreement calls for a 60-day truce, during which Israel is expected to withdraw from the southern villages. Hezbollah is required to end its armed presence south of the Litani River, where 10,000 Lebanese soldiers and UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) will be deployed.

Tensions, however, eased on Tuesday along Lebanon's southern border after a sharp escalation between Hezbollah and Israel on Monday evening.

Nevertheless, Israeli violations continued, with over 80 breaches recorded by the Lebanese Army in the past week.

On Tuesday, Israeli shelling killed a civilian in Shebaa, with the National News Agency reporting the man was struck by a missile from an Israeli drone.

An artillery shell also hit the Marjayoun Plain, and an Israeli Merkava tank crossed into the area near the border between Deir Mimas, Burj al-Mulouk, and Kfarkila in the south, stopping 200 meters from a Lebanese Army checkpoint.

Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV reported a convoy of 15 Israeli vehicles moved from the Wazzani border area toward Wadi al-Khayam, with part of the convoy heading towards the eastern part of Khiam. This followed reports that Israeli vehicles had withdrawn from eastern Khiam on Monday.

Israel also launched airstrikes on the town of Bayt Lifa in southern Lebanon and fired machine guns at Majdal Zoun.

In response, the Israeli military said it targeted a terrorist cell in the Bekaa Valley.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Monday that Israel might push deeper into Lebanon and no longer differentiate between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah if the ceasefire breaks down.

Katz stated, “If the ceasefire collapses, Lebanon will have no immunity,” adding that Israel would act with greater force if the war resumes.