Beirut [Lebanon], August 2: Speaking on television, Mr. Aoun emphasized: "All political parties... need to seize this historic opportunity without hesitation, and push for ensuring that the exclusive right to use weapons belongs only to the army and security forces." For his part, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem declared on July 30: "Those who call for the surrender of weapons are essentially demanding the surrender of weapons to Israel. We will not bow to Israel."
The moves come as the US is reportedly increasing pressure on Lebanon to quickly make a formal cabinet decision pledging to disarm Hezbollah before resuming negotiations on Israel ceasing military operations in Beirut, Reuters reported citing informed sources.
Also in the Middle East, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 31 to promote ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip and resolve the serious humanitarian crisis in the region. After the meeting, Reuters quoted a senior Israeli official as saying that
Israel and the US were gradually reaching a consensus on a plan to release all hostages, disarm Hamas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip.
On August 1, Mr. Steve Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabe inspected an aid distribution point in Rafah, Gaza Strip.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
