Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun on Friday announced the release of the first batch of Lebanese detainees held by Israel, in what he described as the result of diplomatic and humanitarian efforts involving the United States, international actors, and in particular the International Committee of the Red Cross.
In remarks cited by the Lebanese presidency’s media office, Aoun thanked all sides that contributed to the effort and said the move once again confirms the value of Lebanon’s firm national stance. He added that the next steps outlined in the Lebanese-Israeli-American trilateral framework must now be completed in order to restore Lebanon’s full sovereignty.
Aoun Thanks International Efforts
Role of the U.S. and the Red Cross
Aoun said Lebanon appreciates the efforts made by the United States and international parties, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross, which helped lead to the release of the first batch of Lebanese detainees held by Israel.
He said the release marks an important step in the broader path toward restoring Lebanese rights, adding that international involvement played a central role in facilitating the transfer and release of the detainees.
First Batch Released
Earlier on Friday, the International Committee of the Red Cross said it had transferred four people released by Israel to Lebanon. The organization said, at the request of the parties involved, it facilitated the transfer of five released persons to Lebanon, with one moved on Thursday and four more on Friday.
The operation followed a series of contacts and arrangements aimed at completing the release and transfer in an organized and safe manner.
Aoun Says Lebanon Will Continue Seeking Sovereignty
Completing the Trilateral Framework
The Lebanese president said this step does not mark the end of the process, but rather the beginning of completing the remaining measures outlined in the Lebanese-Israeli-American trilateral framework. He said the final goal remains the restoration of Lebanon’s full sovereignty, “without losing a single inch of our land or a single person from our people.”
Aoun said Lebanon will continue working to achieve its national demands and goals in full, so that all Lebanese can live with dignity in a free homeland.
A State With Legitimate Forces Only
He reiterated that there should be no weapons on Lebanese soil except those of the legitimate state institutions, and that sovereignty over the country’s people belongs only to the state, which must remain capable, fair, and protective.
His remarks reflect Lebanon’s insistence on a political and diplomatic track that secures its rights and restores full sovereignty over its territory.
Red Cross Facilitates the Transfer
Four People Reached Lebanon
The ICRC said four people released from Israel were transferred to Lebanon as part of the process carried out with the cooperation of the relevant parties. The organization had earlier explained that the transfer of the released individuals was completed in two stages, one on Thursday and four on Friday.
The operation underscores the humanitarian role played by the Red Cross in facilitating the release and transfer of people in sensitive cases.
Humanitarian Track Remains Important
This development highlights the humanitarian dimension of a highly sensitive file, linking international efforts with field-level arrangements to complete the transfer and release. It also shows that channels remain open to address the matter through broader trilateral and international frameworks.
Conclusion:
Lebanon says the first batch of Lebanese detainees held by Israel has been released, in what President Joseph Aoun described as the result of important international and diplomatic efforts led by the United States and the Red Cross. As Beirut says it will continue completing the trilateral framework to restore full sovereignty, the release marks one step in a wider process aimed at recovering Lebanon’s full rights.
