The Red Cross received five Lebanese detainees from Israel as a goodwill gesture following their capture in recent hostilities. This gesture came after talks in Naqoura aimed at stabilizing the region, including discussions on Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The ongoing ceasefire remains fragile with numerous reported violations.
On Tuesday evening, the Red Cross successfully received five Lebanese detainees from Israel, following their capture by the Israeli military in the recent conflict. This release was notably reported by the state news agency NNA. After their release, the detainees were taken to the Lebanese Italian Hospital in Tyre, a notable city in southern Lebanon.
The approval for the detainees’ release was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier that day, describing it as “a goodwill gesture” toward Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun. This decision stemmed from discussions held in Naqoura involving military representatives from Israel, the United States, France, and Lebanon.
The talks in Naqoura led to an agreement to form “three joint working groups” aimed at stabilizing the region. These groups will address critical issues, including Israel’s withdrawal from five strategic points in southern Lebanon and the reassessment of the pre-war land border between Israel and Lebanon. Additionally, they will focus on the release of individuals detained as saboteurs since the onset of the recent war.
Currently, it remains unclear exactly how many Lebanese prisoners are still held by Israel. Lebanon has reiterated its demands for Israeli withdrawal from five disputed hills and the release of prisoners detained during the conflict. Since the ceasefire was established in November 2024, tensions remain high following months of intense warfare between Israel and Hezbollah.
As per the ceasefire agreement, Israel was expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26. However, this deadline was pushed to February 18 due to non-compliance by Israel, which continues to maintain a military presence at five outposts along the border. Reports from Lebanese authorities indicate nearly 1,100 ceasefire violations, with significant casualties including at least 85 deaths and over 280 injuries.
The recent release of five Lebanese detainees by Israel, facilitated by the Red Cross, signifies a critical diplomatic gesture amid ongoing tensions. As both countries navigate complex negotiations surrounding military presence and prisoners, the establishment of joint working groups indicates a proactive approach to stabilizing the region. Despite these developments, challenges remain, particularly regarding ceasefire violations and the strategic issues yet to be resolved.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
