Red Cross Receives Five Lebanese Detainees as Israel Initiates Goodwill Gesture

The Red Cross has received five Lebanese detainees from Israel, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to release them as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun. This action is part of broader negotiations addressing regional stability, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from contested areas and discussions on Lebanese prisoners held in Israel.

On Tuesday evening, the Red Cross received five Lebanese detainees from the Israeli military. This transfer occurred weeks after their capture during recent hostilities, as reported by Lebanon’s state news agency NNA. Following their release, the detainees were transported to the Lebanese Italian Hospital located in Tyre, a city in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared this release as a “goodwill gesture” toward Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun. The announcement followed a four-way meeting in Naqoura, which included representatives from the Israeli military, the United States, France, and Lebanon. This discussion led to the formation of three joint working groups aimed at enhancing regional stability.

The focus of these joint groups will include critical issues such as Israel’s withdrawal from five positions in southern Lebanon and re-evaluating the pre-war border with Lebanon. Additionally, negotiations will tackle the release of individuals detained since the onset of recent conflicts. Currently, the total number of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel remains unspecified.

Lebanon continues to insist on Israel’s withdrawal from five contested hills along with the release of Lebanese prisoners captured during the recent conflict. A fragile ceasefire is currently in effect in Lebanon, which commenced in November 2024, concluding extensive cross-border violence that escalated into a full-scale war last September. Under the initial ceasefire terms, Israel was required to completely withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26; however, this deadline has been postponed to February 18 after Israel failed to comply.

As of yet, Israel retains a military presence along five border outposts, despite Lebanese reports indicating nearly 1,100 violations of the ceasefire, resulting in at least 85 fatalities and over 280 injuries.

In summary, the Red Cross has facilitated the release of five Lebanese detainees from Israel, a decision viewed as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s new president. This development highlights the ongoing negotiations for regional stability and the resolution of critical matters including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the status of prisoners. The fragile ceasefire remains challenged by reported violations and unresolved territorial disputes, underscoring the complexities of the situation in Lebanon.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr