A resident of Beirut's southern suburbs walks through the ruins of their apartment, torn open by an Israeli strike, on Nov. 25, 2024. (Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — The southern suburb of Beirut, particularly Haret Hreik, witnessed inspection visits by several members of parliament on Saturday to assess the damage caused by the recent Israeli war. MPs toured the area, meeting with residents and surveying the destruction.
Former Free Patriotic Movement MP Alain Aoun emphasized resilience during his visit, stating: “We renew our determination to remain on this land, and what is important today is to continue despite all the tragedies. National unity is not just a slogan but a practice."
Amal Movement MP Fadi Alameh highlighted the challenges facing lawmakers in the region, saying: “The challenge is great for the MPs of the area, and our role is essential in working with international institutions and the government to devise a swift plan to ensure the return of the displaced to their homes.”
Similarly, Hezbollah MP Ali Ammar stressed the importance of unity, remarking: “Lebanon is a nation of coexistence, and we must preserve our national unity, which was evident in how the people hosted the displaced during this phase.”
In a related development, the U.S. Central Command announced on Friday the arrival of General Jasper Jeffers in Beirut. Jeffers will serve as the co-chair of the mechanism to implement the ceasefire agreement. The Command clarified that U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein would act as the civilian co-chair until a permanent civilian official is appointed. The team will assist in monitoring and enforcing the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, which took effect on Wednesday.
On Nov. 27, a ceasefire agreement was signed by Israel, Lebanon, and several mediating countries, including the United States. The ceasefire ended fighting that began on Oct. 8, 2023, escalating into an Israeli invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, 2024.
The agreement mandates a 60-day halt to hostilities, during which Israel must withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah must withdraw its forces to the north of the Litani River.
A five-country monitoring panel, led by the United States, will oversee the implementation, with 5,000 Lebanese troops deployed to ensure compliance. The agreement does not preclude either Israel or Lebanon from acting in self-defense, but Israeli and Lebanese officials disagreed with what that entails.
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