Aoun was warmly received by Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sissi before addressing a joint press conference where both leaders called for a halt to Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
Since the US-brokered ceasefire agreement ended a month-long conflict with Hezbollah in November, Israel has continued to launch strikes against Lebanon.
Hezbollah claims that its military presence in southern Lebanon has significantly decreased but has accused Israel of maintaining a military presence on Lebanese territory near the border.
Israel states that it is targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and individuals whom they accuse of attempting to rebuild the group’s damaged infrastructure.
“Egypt continues to actively engage and communicate with various regional and international parties to urge Israel for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal from all Lebanese territory,” el-Sissi stated, “respecting the ceasefire agreement and the complete and simultaneous implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.”
Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to the UN resolution that calls for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, including the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Beirut’s strained relations with Arab neighbours in recent years have been largely attributed to Hezbollah’s increasing power and influence.
Aoun also expressed his desire to strengthen ties with Syria’s new rulers in Damascus and called for the safe and dignified return of over one million Syrian refugees who fled the Syrian civil war and are still residing in Lebanon.
Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/05/20/el-sissi-and-aoun-urge-israel-to-end-strikes-on-lebanon/
