Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has declared that no solution other than ending Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon will be accepted. He made the statement on the day new rounds of diplomatic talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives began in Washington, D.C. Aoun’s remarks were shared through the Lebanese presidency’s official account on X, emphasizing that recent developments have proven diplomacy to be the right path for achieving national goals and reclaiming the country’s rights.

Aoun expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations would help secure Lebanon’s interests and ensure full sovereignty over every inch of its territory. He reaffirmed that Lebanon’s only path lies in national sovereignty and trust in the state to protect all citizens and guarantee freedom and dignity. Despite the diplomatic efforts, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have not fully ceased, even after a new ceasefire agreement last Friday.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed at least 4,192 people and injured 12,171, though no breakdown between civilians and fighters has been released.