Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, calling for an end to Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and the full implementation of the existing ceasefire agreement. He demanded that Israeli forces withdraw completely to the internationally recognized border and that all Lebanese detainees be released.
While Salam spoke at the UN, military operations continued in Lebanon. Israeli forces carried out a large explosion near Taybeh and Deir Siryan, and conducted an air strike in a valley between Froun and Ghandourieh that sparked significant fires. Journalists reporting from the region documented Israeli warplanes, drones, and artillery operations. According to reports, Lebanese civil defense and firefighting personnel have been prevented from accessing affected areas to extinguish fires.
The situation in southern Lebanon reflects widespread destruction despite the ceasefire framework. Israeli forces currently occupy more than 60 towns in the south and are conducting what has been characterized as a systematic demolition campaign, destroying residential structures. Since the current conflict phase began in March, the military operations have resulted in at least 4,386 deaths and 12,407 wounded, with Israeli forces controlling territory extending to the Litani River.
Salam emphasized that stability depends on fulfilling the terms of the June framework agreement brokered by the United States. He stated that the agreement’s success should be measured by concrete implementation, not intentions, and called for a clear timeline and verification mechanisms. The prime minister also committed to overseeing Hezbollah’s disarmament as part of the agreement, asserting that only the state should control weapons and make decisions regarding war and peace.
Addressing broader regional concerns, Salam connected Lebanon’s stability to wider Middle Eastern issues, stating that lasting peace requires respecting Palestinian rights and enabling the Palestinian people to exercise self-determination in accordance with international law.
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