Lebanese army urges calm amid protests over Israel deal

Key facts

• Lebanon's army has called for calm and responsible action amid protests against a U.S.-backed framework agreement with Israel.
• The agreement aims to renew a ceasefire but includes contentious points like security zones and Hezbollah's potential disbanding.
• Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the deal, demanding a full Israeli withdrawal and vowing to continue resistance.
• Iran's supreme leader criticized the agreement as 'trickery' by the enemy.
• A UN peacekeeper was killed in southern Lebanon, and Israeli strikes resulted in at least four deaths.

Lebanon's army has urged citizens to act responsibly amid growing protests against a framework agreement reached with Israel, which has been met with significant opposition. The army stated it respects the right to free expression while emphasizing the need to maintain civil peace and security in light of "exceptional challenges."

The U.S.-backed agreement aims to renew a ceasefire but includes contentious points, such as the creation of security zones within Lebanon from which Hezbollah would be banned, and stipulations regarding the group's eventual disbanding. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the deal as the "last chance to enter a final and comprehensive ceasefire."

However, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has rejected the agreement, demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal and stating that the group will continue its resistance as long as there is occupation. He characterized the demand for Hezbollah fighters to leave southern Lebanon under fire as "surrender, defeat and achieving the enemy’s goals."

Iran's supreme leader, Motjaba Khamenei, also criticized the deal, calling it "trickery" by the enemy after Iran's perceived battlefield success. The ongoing conflict has resulted in casualties, with at least four people killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon and a UN peacekeeper losing their life in southern Lebanon.