Beirut, Lebanon – Web Desk: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged the United States to continue supporting Lebanon’s institutions, armed forces and people following a US-backed framework agreement with Israel aimed at permanently ending hostilities after the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
In a message marking the 250th Independence Day of the United States, President Aoun congratulated US President Donald Trump and called on Washington to remain committed to Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability and national institutions.
“We hope to turn the page on wars and open a new chapter of hope, peace and stability,” Aoun said, emphasizing Lebanon’s desire for long-term regional security.
The framework agreement, brokered in Washington, outlines the gradual disarmament of Hezbollah, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese Army in border areas, beginning with two pilot zones.
However, Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, arguing that it does not include a clear timetable for a complete Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
The US Embassy in Lebanon also reaffirmed Washington’s support, stating that the United States stands with the Lebanese people as they work toward a future built on peace, prosperity and stability.
Lebanon was drawn into the regional conflict after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader during US-Israeli strikes earlier this year. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive across southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops continue to maintain positions near the border.
A broader regional agreement reached between Tehran and Washington last month established a ceasefire in Lebanon, which came into effect on June 21. Days later, Lebanon and Israel accepted the US-backed framework designed to pave the way for a lasting peace agreement.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 640,000 displaced residents have returned to their homes since June 22. Lebanese authorities estimate that the conflict claimed around 4,300 lives and displaced over one million people.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains fragile. Many residents have been unable to return to border towns due to the continued presence of Israeli troops and widespread destruction caused by months of fighting.
During a visit to the heavily damaged southern city of Nabatieh, Lebanon’s Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed announced that the government is preparing reconstruction measures, including temporary prefabricated housing and rental assistance to help displaced families return.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued intermittent military operations in southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that an Israeli airstrike on the village of Mansouri wounded one civilian, while artillery shelling was also reported in nearby areas.
The latest developments underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the continuing international efforts to secure long-term peace and stability along the Israel-Lebanon border.
