BEIRUT, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday urged Arab countries to adopt a unified stance in response to Israel's escalating attacks on Lebanon.
Speaking in a meeting with a delegation from the Arab Parliament, which included representatives from Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, Aoun said "Arab states must be one body" on regional issues, according to a statement released by Lebanon's Presidency.
He accused Israel of violating the November ceasefire agreement, saying Israel's repeated attacks targeted "Lebanese villages, towns, and their peaceful inhabitants."
Arab Parliament Speaker and head of the delegation Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi voiced the body's full support for Lebanon's security, unity, and sovereignty, underlined the body's rejection of foreign interference in Lebanon's internal affairs, and affirmed that Lebanon's security is an integral part of Arab collective security.
Meanwhile, representatives of the delegation voiced strong backing for Lebanon's efforts to resist Israeli violations and for Aoun's reform agenda, which they said is vital to strengthening the Lebanese state and reinforcing unity.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli warplanes launched seven strikes on the outskirts of Hermel and one on the outskirts of Labweh on eastern Lebanon, killing five Hezbollah members and injuring five others.
A ceasefire brokered by the United States and France between Hezbollah and Israel has been in place since Nov. 27, 2024. However, Israel has occasionally launched strikes in Lebanon, citing security threats, while keeping forces at five positions along the Lebanese border after missing the Feb. 18 deadline for a full withdrawal.
Separately, Lebanon's cabinet on Friday approved an army plan to disarm Hezbollah and place all weapons under state control. Five Hezbollah and Amal ministers walked out in protest, and Hezbollah supporters called for mass demonstrations. ■
