Aoun urges pressure on Israel to halt strikes on civilians and aid workers during IFRC meeting

BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun met with a delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) at Baabda Presidential Palace Thursday and noted that “there is a need to pressure Israel to respect international laws and agreements, and to stop targeting civilians, paramedics, civil defense personnel, and humanitarian, medical, and relief organizations," the Lebanese Presidency said on X.

Aoun said that “Israeli violations continue in the south despite the announcement of a cease-fire, including the demolition of homes and places of worship, while the number of victims and injured continues to rise day after day. The attacks did not spare paramedics and volunteers, with around 17 Red Cross and other humanitarian organization workers killed so far, in addition to the targeting of journalists.”

“The work carried out by volunteers to rescue the injured represents the highest form of sacrifice and selflessness in service of the humanitarian mission they believe in, even to the point of martyrdom, despite the fact that rescue missions are reported in advance to ensure their protection,” Aoun said.

He concluded by renewing the “call to assist Lebanon in learning the fate of Lebanese detainees in Israeli prisons, as Israel has so far refused to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to contact them, check on their health, or reassure their families and the Lebanese state.”

On Wednesday, an Israeli airstrike targeted a Lebanese Army patrol in Majdal Zoun (Sour), injuring two soldiers and killing three Civil Defense rescuers, the military and the first responders separately announced.

Al-Akhbar journalist Amal Khalil was also killed on April 22by an Israeli airstrike in Tiri, South Lebanon, while covering the ongoing conflict. She took refuge in a building after a drone strike hit a nearby car, but the building was later targeted. The attack also injured photographer Zeinab Faraj. The Lebanese Press Syndicate Editors stated that at least 27 journalists and media workers have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since October 2023.

Additionally, Aoun had a series of meetings at Baabda Palace. He met the U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, who briefed Aoun “on the results of her contacts in Israel, as part of efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and limit escalation.”

Aoun also met head of Kataeb, MP Sami Gemayel, who said after the meeting that "we stand by him in supporting the legitimate path to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and independent national decision-making."

Aoun lso met MP northern Ahmad al-Khair, who said after the meeting, that he expressed his “full support for the positions of the President of the Republic, in light of the current developments and the negotiation process.”

Metn MP Razi al-Hajj who also met Aoun said after the meeting that he also reaffirmed his “full support for the positions of.. [Aoun] especially in this sensitive phase.”

After a fragile ceasefire came into effect between Hezbollah and Israel on April 17, Aoun said that he was ready to “go anywhere necessary” to achieve an Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon.

The statement appeared to pave the way for the next phase, which is expected to involve direct negotiations with Israel aimed at consolidating and sustaining the cease-fire.

Aoun then met with Kataeb MP, Sami Gemayel, who said after the meeting that "we affirm that the negotiation process [with Israel], despite its difficulties, is the realistic option for ending the war and restoring stability."