BEIRUT

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated on Saturday his government's firm stance on the necessity for Israeli forces to withdraw from the southern territories they occupy by the deadline set by the Nov. 27 ceasefire agreement.

During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Beirut, President Aoun highlighted the Israeli forces’ continuing ground and aerial violations, particularly the destruction of homes and villages along the border.

Guterres arrived in Lebanon on Thursday in a "solidarity visit" with the Arab country.

"The Israeli breaches, including the bombing of homes and the destruction of border villages, are a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement and continue to undermine Lebanese sovereignty," the Lebanese president remarked.

"Such actions are inconsistent with international efforts to achieve peace and security in the region," said Aoun, who was elected president on Jan. 9 and took over the top position vacant for over two years due to political disputes.

During the meeting with the UN chief, Aoun also praised the determination of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) personnel who have faced attacks on their bases.

He reiterated the importance of strong coordination between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Since Nov. 27, 2024, a fragile ceasefire has been in place, ending a period of mutual shelling between Israel and Hezbollah that began on Oct. 8, 2023, and escalated into full-scale conflict on Sept. 23, 2024.

According to Lebanese official data compiled by Anadolu, Israel has carried out 564 violations as of Friday, killing 37 people and injuring 45 more.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi