Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday emphasized the crucial need for the Israeli government to honor the ceasefire agreement and withdraw from all occupied territories within the agreed timeframe. He also highlighted the necessity of halting ongoing attacks on southern Lebanese villages, which he stated are clear violations of the agreement.

According to Qatar News Agency, Aoun conveyed these points during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who was visiting Beirut. He stressed the significance of returning prisoners and rebuilding Lebanese villages and regions that were destroyed in the recent Israeli offensives.

In discussing the broader Middle East situation, President Aoun pointed out the potential for a transformative change in the region if the ceasefire agreement reached in Gaza is fully adhered to by Israel. He warned against it becoming just another in a series of agreements that fail to meet their objectives due to Israeli breaches.

Aoun also asserted that it is time to address the hardships faced by the Palestinian people by seriously pursuing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in line with international legitimacy resolutions.