End of the seventh round of negotiations in Rome, with Israel accompanying it with the largest daily bombing in weeks

Beirut – Mansour Shaaban: The Israeli army has intensified its continuous raids and shelling on southern towns and villages, coinciding with the conclusion of the seventh round of Lebanese-Israeli negotiations mediated by the United States in Rome. The negotiators discussed mechanisms for implementing the security agreement in southern Lebanon and halting the escalation.

Amid this atmosphere, Israeli forces deployed armed patrols in the Wadi al-Salouqi and Wadi al-Hijayir areas, expanding their attacks against towns and villages in the Sidon district. Unmanned aerial vehicles carried out a strike on the town of Al-Burj al-Shamali, followed by airstrikes from the Israeli air force. This triggered displacement from the town toward the city, while another raid targeted the town of Al-Mansouriya.

While the Ministry of Health confirmed several injuries resulting from Israeli airstrikes on Al-Burj al-Shamali, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced that it recorded the firing of 113 Israeli projectiles yesterday alone, marking the highest daily tally since June 21.

In a statement, UNIFIL reiterated its monitoring of daily violations of Lebanese airspace and military activities on the ground, warning that the overall situation remains fragile. It emphasized that its forces continue to monitor developments and report them to the Security Council, while continuing their operations and engaging with the parties to help de-escalate tensions.

Meanwhile, the Presidents of the Parliament, Nabih Berri, and the Council of Ministers, Nawaf Salam, reviewed with Jonathan Powell, National Security Advisor to the British Prime Minister, the challenges facing Lebanon and efforts to halt the ongoing war in the region.

In parallel developments, the G20, chaired by former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, condemned in a statement following its periodic meeting “the continued brazen Israeli crimes, despite Lebanon going to great lengths to accept direct negotiations with Israel. Lebanon was forced into these talks due to the recklessness committed by Hezbollah in dragging Lebanon into military battles that Lebanon did not foresee, has no interest in, and lacks the capacity to bear their burdens and repercussions.” The statement added that this situation also forced Lebanon to accept signing a framework agreement with Israel under US mediation, a role that should have seen the United States respond to Lebanon’s step by providing clear, firm, and strong political and military support to help Lebanon overcome this dangerous phase.

While expressing its solidarity with the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, the Group saw it as “necessary for President Joseph Aoun to initiate a state visit to neighboring Syria, which shares historical and authentic ties with Lebanon and serves as Lebanon’s only land gateway to the Arab world and Europe.”