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BEIRUT: An official Lebanese source has confirmed to Arab News that the government is in direct talks with Hezbollah about the disarmament of non-state armed groups and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory.

The source said that concerns raised by the Shiite group “are being addressed.” 

“The Lebanese army is capable of fulfilling all its duties south of the Litani River,” the source said, referencing the UN Security Council resolution adopted on Thursday evening, which extended the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, until the end of 2026.

This resolution also envisions a phased withdrawal of UNIFIL forces from an area where they have served for more than four decades. 

“Let Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese army will carry out its duties to the fullest extent in coordination with UNIFIL forces,” the source said. “What is required is supporting the army to increase its capabilities.”  

The Lebanese Army has about 6,500 troops deployed south of the Litani River and is working to increase that number to 10,000. 

The source revealed that the Lebanese Army “has completed more than 80 percent of its mission south of the Litani River, confiscating all types of weapons it finds, without any objection from Hezbollah.” Contrary to general expectations, the group “has been cooperative,” the source said. 

“The Lebanese Army confiscates everything it encounters south of the Litani River,” the official said. “It either destroys it if it is unusable, and uses what is usable, according to estimates by military experts after inspecting the confiscated weapons.” 

Military experts estimate that weapons and ammunition generally have an expiration date of between 10 and 20 years, though this varies depending on the weapon type, manufacturing process and storage conditions. Factors such as humidity, heat and exposure to water can degrade the weapons, potentially turning them into hazards. 

“Neither the army nor the political leadership knows what remains of Hezbollah’s military arsenal, nor do Hezbollah officials themselves,” the source said. 

“There is no doubt that the resistance (Hezbollah), which is usually secretive in its operations, has a method that prevents us from assessing the size and status of its arsenal.” 

Addressing recent incidents, the source described the explosions that occurred during weapon confiscations in the south earlier this month — which killed six soldiers — as “incidents still under investigation.” The official confirmed that “in light of these events, the Lebanese army has adopted a more cautious approach.” 

Expressing optimism about Lebanon regaining full sovereignty over its territory, the source said: “The defense strategy is drawn up by the army command under the guidance of the political authority, and no one can replace them. 

“Lebanon’s long-standing military capabilities cannot be underestimated. The state also resorts to diplomacy to achieve sovereignty, and it is the decision-maker in war and peace, and everyone must coordinate with the state, not allow anyone to open a confrontation at their own expense.” 

The source emphasized that when the political authority drafted its ministerial statement — and earlier, when the president of the republic delivered his inaugural speech — no external party dictated their positions or demands. 

“The arms embargo is one of the provisions of the Taif Agreement and international resolutions, and its implementation does not mean surrender to Israel.” 

The source also said that the withdrawal of weapons from the Palestinian camps fell within the framework of the Lebanese decision, not the Israeli one. 

The source said that the government did not consider the step-by-step policy pursued by US envoy Thomas Barrack to implement the terms of the ceasefire agreement as a failure, despite Israel’s recent response linking its withdrawal from the Five Hills area to the Lebanese government’s enforcement of the arms embargo decision. 

“We judge the facts and exercise our convictions, and I believe that diplomacy in this area requires patience. The American paper and the Lebanese amendments to it, which were approved by the Council of Ministers, required dozens of hours of work.” 

The representative addressed concerns about allaying Hezbollah’s fears concerning the confiscation of its weapons and reassuring its supporters: “Hezbollah is present in the state, and anyone who wants to join the Lebanese Army is welcome, according to the conditions of membership. The idea of ​​compensating Hezbollah fighters is not a bad idea. I believe that joining the military establishment is a positive thing for their families, as they will receive social benefits.” 

On efforts to restore confidence among Hezbollah supporters in state institutions, the source revealed that “under-the-table discussions” have been taking place between Hezbollah and decision-makers “about the Day After.” 

The source acknowledged that “Hezbollah and its supporters are wounded, deeply hurt, and all concerns must be addressed, and work is underway to address them.” 

On the American proposal to establish an economic zone in the border area as a buffer zone, it was noted that the plan has not yet been officially discussed. 

“The state understands the concerns of the people of the region regarding this matter, and they are 100 percent right. If it is raised, Lebanon will certainly have its own reservations. No one accepts the separation of the people of the south from their land. What is most important, above all, is that Israel withdraws from the positions it occupies and that they cease their hostile actions,“ the official said. 

The source also reiterated Lebanon’s openness to all Arab assistance for reconstruction, especially from Gulf states led by ��������. 

Concerning Lebanese-Syrian relations, the official indicated that “a Syrian delegation will visit Lebanon to discuss border demarcation, the issue of Syrian detainees, and trade relations.” 

On Lebanon’s stance if Syria decided to recognize the Shebaa Farms as Syrian rather than Lebanese territory, the source said: “It must prove this with documents. We have documents from the French state archives that confirm their Lebanese identity.” 

NEW YORK CITY: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday condemned the worsening crisis in Gaza. He described “an endless catalog of horrors” in the territory and warned of catastrophic humanitarian consequences, as he called for immediate international action to address the situation and ensure accountability.

Guterres said civilians in Gaza were enduring “yet another deadly escalation” as Israel continues to signal plans for a military takeover of Gaza City. He called this a “new and dangerous phase” of the conflict that would have “devastating consequences,” including the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people already traumatized by months of violence.

“This must stop,” Guterres said. “Gaza is piled with rubble, piled with bodies, and piled with examples of what may be serious violations of international law.”

Citing recent airstrikes, he added that Israeli military operations have killed civilians, medical workers and journalists.

A double Israeli strike on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis killed 20 people on Monday, including health workers and journalists. At least one person was killed by the initial strike, and others in a second minutes later as rescuers and journalists rushed to the scene.

The five journalists who died worked for international media outlets, including the Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.

“These attacks are part of an endless catalog of horrors,” Guterres said. “There must be accountability.”

He also condemned Hamas and other armed groups for taking hostages and subjecting them to “atrocious treatment,” and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those being held.

He described the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza as beyond critical, warning that famine was no longer a looming threat but “a present-day catastrophe.” He said civilians were dying from hunger, women were giving birth under extreme conditions, and essential services such as water, healthcare and food systems had been “systematically dismantled.”

“These are the facts on the ground,” he added. “And they are the result of deliberate decisions that defy basic humanity.”

As the occupying power, Guterres said, Israel has a legal obligation to ensure the population has access to food, water and medical aid. He called for the implementation of binding provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice, including the facilitation of full and immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza, in cooperation with the UN.

He noted that 366 UN workers have been killed since the conflict escalated, and that humanitarian efforts were being “blocked, delayed and denied” on a daily basis. “This is unacceptable,” he added.

The secretary-general also addressed the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, citing increased military operations, settler violence and discriminatory policies. He warned that a recently approved plan to expand settlements there could effectively sever the northern West

Bank from the south of the territory, posing what he described as an “existential threat” to a two-state solution.

“I repeat: the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem have been established, and are being maintained, in violation of international law,” Guterres said. “Israel must cease such actions and comply with its obligations.

“There is no military solution to this conflict. I appeal once again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access across Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

“Starvation of the civilian population must never be used as a method of warfare. Civilians must be protected. Humanitarian access must be unimpeded. No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies.”