Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the Israeli occupation and attacks must end to restore his country’s sovereignty. Salam made the remarks at the opening of the International Arab Book Fair in the capital, Beirut.
Salam said the Lebanese people had paid a heavy price as a result of successive wars and crises, adding that the conflicts had caused many people to lose not only their lives but also their livelihoods, homes and savings.
State authority to be strengthened across the country
Salam said the government was working to restore the authority and power of the state throughout Lebanon. He added that the reforms needed for economic recovery and reconstruction were also being carried out.
Salam said lasting stability could not be achieved in a system where decisions on war and peace were not made solely by the state. He described the safe and dignified return of those forcibly displaced to their homes as one of the conditions necessary to restore sovereignty. He also included the reconstruction of villages and cities among those conditions.
More than 1 million people displaced in Lebanon
The Israeli army launched intensive air strikes on Lebanon on March 2 and occupied dozens of settlements in the country’s south. According to the Lebanese government, the number of people forcibly displaced in the country exceeded 1 million following the attacks.
The ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel took effect on April 17 and was later extended several times. According to data from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, at least 4,386 people have been killed in attacks carried out since March 2.
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement on June 26 under U.S. mediation, aiming to resolve disputes between the two countries and establish long-term peace. The agreement provides for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon’s occupied territories and the continuation of negotiations between the parties.
Nevertheless, Israeli forces were reported to have continued their occupation of Lebanese territory and attacks on the country.
