Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on the United States to continue supporting Lebanon following a US-brokered framework agreement with Israel. In a congratulatory message to President Donald Trump on the US 250th Independence Day, Aoun urged Washington to “keep always standing beside Lebanon’s right and just causes, its institutions, army and people.”

Aoun expressed hope that Lebanon could “turn the page on wars … and open a new page of hope, peace and stability.” The appeal comes after Israel and Lebanon signed a US-backed deal last week aimed at ending the conflict with the Hezbollah armed group, which has been ongoing in southern Lebanon.

The US Embassy in Lebanon stated on X that it stands “with great pride … with the people of Lebanon as they forge a brighter future – one of peace, prosperity and promise long overdue.” The agreement calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and deployment of the Lebanese army to the area.

However, Hezbollah has rejected the deal, citing the lack of a timetable for Israeli withdrawal. The group joined the US-Israel war with Iran on March 2 by firing rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with intense airstrikes and a ground invasion, occupying swaths of southern Lebanon.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the death toll since March 2 has reached 4,303, with 12,202 wounded. Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed reported that 400,000 displaced people have returned to their areas in southern Lebanon, but attacks continue. The National News Agency reported an Israeli Apache helicopter firing five missiles at Majdal Zoun and a strike injuring one person in al-Mansouri.

The Israeli military said it killed an armed fighter in the “security zone” in southern Lebanon, where troops are stationed. The military stated that after identifying the fighter, troops opened fire and later “eliminated” him.

Source: www.aljazeera.com