Beirut will not hold direct talks with Israel if the destruction of the south continues. Aoun is to be received by Trump ahead of a possible face-to-face meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. An Arab safety net is being mobilised to reduce Hezbollah to a civilian status, meet Israeli demands and implement the Taif Agreement. A moved crowd at the funeral of journalist Amal Khalil.
The Israeli activist, who has fought for years in Jerusalem against religious intolerance, spoke about the action of an IDF soldier who tore down and smashed a cross in southern Lebanon. Israel’s military and foreign minister have apologised. Harani calls for education, even in the religious sector. She hopes to see an exemplary sentence.
For Netanyahu, it's a "historic deal”. The Shia militia calls the truce a "victory" for Tehran. Warnings (and threats) are issued against the disorderly return of civilians to Israeli-occupied villages south of the Litani River. The Lebanese president refuses to meet with Netanyahu without the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Saudi Arabia is engaged in efforts to keep Lebanon from both Iranian hegemony and Israeli domination.
Last night, senior diplomats from Israel and Lebanon took part in a meeting in the US capital, chaired by the US secretary of state. This is the first time the two met since the failed 1983 agreement under then President Amine Gemayel. Hezbollah's hostility remains. Former Lebanese ambassador to the United States, Simon Karam, is expected to lead the Lebanese delegation.
From Beirut, Oumayma Farah describes a country at risk of being overwhelmed by the conflict. The displacement crisis is a priority, with only a small fraction of people being accommodated in shelters. Schools are being used as makeshift shelters, putting the education of thousands of students at risk. The Order’s mission: “To serve all without distinction of race, colour or religion, but focusing on needs and suffering”.
The conflict with Iran, the Gulf crisis and devastating attacks in Lebanon are overshadowing the tragedy in the Strip. Over 21,000 children have been killed, nearly 45,000 injured, and at least 58,000 have lost one or both parents. There is a shortage of drinking water and medicines, and infectious diseases are spreading. The aid system is paralysed. Restrictions imposed by Israel are taking their toll, whilst Hamas is weakened but not disarmed.
