On an official visit to Cairo, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its breaches of the ceasefire agreement signed in November 2024.
Speaking alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi at a joint press conference, Aoun emphasized the urgent need to halt Israeli violations in southern Lebanon. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to United Nations Resolution 1701, which guarantees the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Aoun stressed that it is imperative for the international community to enforce Israel’s obligations, including an immediate cessation of hostilities, full withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories, and the return of Lebanese prisoners.
Highlighting the critical role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Aoun also called for reviving the 1949 armistice agreement to restore peace in southern Lebanon and the wider region.
Beyond the Israeli-Lebanese conflict, Aoun reiterated Beirut’s determination to maintain strong relations with neighboring Syria. He advocated for enhanced bilateral cooperation to ensure the “safe and dignified” return of displaced Syrians, announcing the establishment of joint Syrian-Lebanese committees to advance this cause.
Finally, praising Egypt’s role in promoting regional dialogue, Aoun concluded with a call for “a just peace based on justice and equality among peoples,” stating that only such a framework can guarantee a stable future for the entire Middle East.
For his part, Sissi recalled the deep historical ties between Egypt and Lebanon, describing the two countries as a model of Arab unity. The Egyptian president stated that he had discussed with his Lebanese counterpart concrete ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the economic and commercial fields. He expressed Egypt’s willingness to support Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts by providing its expertise.
Firmly condemning Israeli violations of Lebanese territory, Sissi reiterated his country’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty. He called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Israel from the occupied Lebanese territories and for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He also advocated for strengthening the role of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River.
Furthermore, Sissi urged the international community to assume its responsibilities toward Lebanon, particularly by actively participating in its reconstruction. He reaffirmed that Egypt would continue to stand by the Lebanese people and their leaders in their pursuit of stability and sovereignty.
President Aoun visited in the afternoon Al-Azhar Al-Sharif where he was welcomed by Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb. He also met the Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit who briefed him on the outcomes of the Baghdad Summit and its key decisions, foremost among them the establishment of the Recovery Fund.
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