Egypt urges Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanon, implementation of UN resolution

BEIRUT

Egypt's foreign minister called for Israel's complete withdrawal from Lebanon and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Badr Abdelatty made these demands during his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday in Beirut, where he is currently on an official visit.

The top officials discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and Abdelatty conveyed to Aoun an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to visit Cairo.

Abdelatty emphasized the need to implement UN Security Council resolution 1701 and his country's unwavering support for Lebanon.

Resolution 1701, adopted on August 11, 2006, mandates a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel and establishes a weapons-free zone between the Blue Line (marking Israel's 2000 withdrawal from Lebanon) and the Litani River, with exceptions for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces.

The foreign minister condemned the Israeli airstrike on Bekaa, eastern Lebanon, and announced full support for the return of displaced people to their homes in the southern and eastern parts of Lebanon.

At least 823 violations have been committed by Israeli forces since a ceasefire agreement went into effect last November.

A fragile cease-fire has been in place since Nov. 27, ending a period of mutual shelling between Israel and the Hezbollah group that began on Oct. 8, 2023, and escalated into a full-scale conflict on Sept. 23 last year.

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel was required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line—a de facto border—in phases, while the Lebanese army was to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel’s onslaught against Lebanon began on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,080 people have been killed, including women, children, and health workers, while 16,753 have been injured.

Abdelatty delivered a letter from President el-Sisi to Joseph Aoun, inviting the Lebanese president on an official visit to Cairo.

On Jan. 9, the Lebanese parliament elected Joseph Aoun as president, ending more than two years of presidential vacancy caused by political deadlock.

The Egyptian official hailed Aoun’s election and called it a “great satisfaction” for the people of Egypt and the government.

Abdelatty arrived in Beirut on Friday on an official visit to discuss the latest developments with Lebanese officials.