Lebanon President Aoun, Italy PM Meloni Discuss Israeli Strikes, Urge Ceasefire Framework Implementation

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday discussed the ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon and stressed the importance of implementing a framework agreement reached through Lebanon-US-Israel negotiations, Al Jazeera reported. According to a statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun and Meloni highlighted the need for international pressure on Israel to honour the agreement negotiated in Washington. Aoun also expressed his appreciation to Meloni for Italy’s role in hosting the tripartite talks and for its efforts to promote security and stability in southern Lebanon.

The conversation took place as tensions continued along the Lebanon-Israel border, with Lebanese authorities reporting further casualties from Israeli attacks. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said that at least 4,348 people had been killed and more than 12,300 injured in Israeli attacks since March 2, according to Al Jazeera. Since the conflict began on October 8, 2023, the ministry has reported at least 8,915 deaths and more than 30,540 injuries.

Israeli fighter jets carried out two strikes in southern Lebanon, hitting the Ali al-Taher ridge in Nabatieh province, an area overlooking southern Lebanon and northern Israel, Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported. Additional attacks were also reported near Deir Siryan, Doha Kafr Rumman and the al-Mansouri area, according to Al Jazeera.