Israel announces release of five Lebanese hours after abducting three in border village
The US has commended Lebanon and Israel over a plan for the release of five Lebanese citizens detained in occupied southern Lebanon. The move indicated a renewed diplomatic push between the countries, as Washington seeks to enable further dialogue before negotiations in Rome . Talks have stalled but reports suggest officials from the countries could meet in Italy this month. US optimism remains,…
Israel announced the release of five Lebanese citizens, hours after apprehending three in the border village of Halta. The US commended Lebanon and Israel for the deal, which aims to pave the way for further discussions before upcoming Rome negotiations. The Israeli military confirmed the detainees were civilians and not involved in terrorism.
The first freed detainee, Malek Ghazi, was released on Thursday with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam thanked the US administration for its efforts in securing the release. The announcement coincided with Israel's raid in Halta, where three residents were abducted by Israeli troops amid gunfire and gunfire.
Villagers reported enduring four hours of "pure terror" during the raid. The number of Lebanese nationals abducted in Halta since March 2 now stands at seven.
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