Lebanon Struggles to Leverage International Efforts for Resolution 1701

People ride a motorcycle near the site of an Israeli strike that destroyed an office used by Al-Mayadeen broadcaster, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Beirut suburbs, Lebanon October 24, 2024. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
People ride a motorcycle near the site of an Israeli strike that destroyed an office used by Al-Mayadeen broadcaster, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Beirut suburbs, Lebanon October 24, 2024. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
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Lebanon Struggles to Leverage International Efforts for Resolution 1701

People ride a motorcycle near the site of an Israeli strike that destroyed an office used by Al-Mayadeen broadcaster, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Beirut suburbs, Lebanon October 24, 2024. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
People ride a motorcycle near the site of an Israeli strike that destroyed an office used by Al-Mayadeen broadcaster, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Beirut suburbs, Lebanon October 24, 2024. REUTERS/Yara Nardi

The Paris Conference, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron to support Lebanon, has failed to resonate with local factions, especially Hezbollah and its allies.

They oppose calls for a presidential election and the implementation of UN resolution 1701 before achieving a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

An official told Asharq Al-Awsat that the only thing the Lebanese can do now is to immediately elect a president to outline a political roadmap, but this crucial step isn’t a priority for some.

The source, speaking under the conditions of anonymity, emphasized that the constitution gives the president sole authority to negotiate and sign international treaties, including resolution 1701.

This responsibility cannot be handed to anyone else.

The source also pointed out that Lebanon’s fate is currently in Iranian hands, which insists on a ceasefire before anything else. Iran has made it clear that it alone will negotiate the implementation of resolution 1701.

As political efforts for Lebanon have stalled, the French capital hosted a support conference attended by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

Macron stressed the importance of electing a new president, stating that France is committed to preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty and helping it navigate current challenges.

He called for peacekeeping measures along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel, saying that there is a need for a ceasefire, and it is in Lebanon’s interest to remain neutral.

Former lawmaker Fares Soaid remarked that “Lebanon’s political forces cannot engage positively with international initiatives as long as the decision-making power lies with Hezbollah and Iran.”

“We will not emerge from this war unless Hezbollah adopts a national vision that leads to handing over its weapons to the Lebanese state. This would be the most honorable move instead of waiting for international solutions to be imposed,” he added.

Soaid urged the party to accept state conditions and the National Accord Document, which protects everyone’s rights, rather than continuing a destructive war.

Mikati reiterated that a ceasefire in Lebanon “would open the door for a diplomatic process fully supported by the government.”

“This process aims to address security concerns along the southern border and disputes along the Blue Line,” added Mikati.

He stressed that “the current form of UN Security Council resolution 1701 must remain the foundation for stability and security in southern Lebanon, and its full implementation by Lebanon and Israel is essential for preserving Lebanon's sovereignty.”

Lebanese views on the post-war phase differ from global perspectives on the region’s future.

Soaid believes that Lebanese will struggle with the consequences of displacement just as regional post-war arrangements begin.



UN Says ‘Deliberate’ Choices ‘Systematically’ Depriving Gazans

04 June 2025, Palestinian Territories, Nusirat: Displaced Palestinians gather in a charity kitchen to receive aid amid a shortage of food, in Nuseirat refugee camp. (Belal Abu Amer/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa)
04 June 2025, Palestinian Territories, Nusirat: Displaced Palestinians gather in a charity kitchen to receive aid amid a shortage of food, in Nuseirat refugee camp. (Belal Abu Amer/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa)
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UN Says ‘Deliberate’ Choices ‘Systematically’ Depriving Gazans

04 June 2025, Palestinian Territories, Nusirat: Displaced Palestinians gather in a charity kitchen to receive aid amid a shortage of food, in Nuseirat refugee camp. (Belal Abu Amer/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa)
04 June 2025, Palestinian Territories, Nusirat: Displaced Palestinians gather in a charity kitchen to receive aid amid a shortage of food, in Nuseirat refugee camp. (Belal Abu Amer/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa)

The UN aid chief said Wednesday that recent "horrifying scenes" of Gazans being killed while seeking food aid were the result of "deliberate choices that have systematically deprived" them of essentials to survive.

A US and Israeli-backed group operating aid sites in the Gaza Strip announced the temporary closure of its facilities on Wednesday, with the Israeli army warning that roads leading to distribution centers were "considered combat zones".

The announcement by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation follows a string of deadly incidents near the distribution sites it operates.

On Tuesday, 27 people were killed in southern Gaza when Israeli troops opened fire near a GHF aid site, with the military saying the incident was under investigation.

"The world is watching, day after day, horrifying scenes of Palestinians being shot, wounded or killed in Gaza while simply trying to eat," UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said in a statement.

"Emergency medical teams have confirmed treating hundreds of trauma cases. Yesterday alone, dozens were declared dead at hospitals after Israeli forces said they had opened fire.

"This is the outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived two million people of the essentials they need to survive."

He echoed the call by UN chief Antonio Guterres for immediate independent investigations, saying they were not isolated incidents, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.

"No-one should have to risk their life to feed their children," said Fletcher.

The GHF began operations a week ago, but the UN and major aid groups have refused to cooperate with it over concerns it was designed to cater to Israeli military objectives.

Meanwhile the United Nations has described the amount of aid allowed into Gaza, after Israel partially lifted a more than two-month total blockade, as a trickle.

"We must be allowed to do our jobs: we have the teams, the plan, the supplies and the experience," said Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator.

"Open the crossings -- all of them. Let in life-saving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in.

"Ensure our convoys aren't held up by delays and denials. Release the hostages. Implement the ceasefire."