Beirut: The Lebanese army received on Thursday an injured soldier who had been abducted by Israel on March 9. The soldier was transferred to a hospital for medical treatment.
According to Qatar News Agency, the army clarified that the soldier was handed over through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). His release follows the return of four other Lebanese nationals who had been detained by the occupying forces during their recent war on southern Lebanon.
Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun announced that the release of the five Lebanese detainees by Israeli occupation forces was the result of indirect negotiations. Speaking during a Cabinet session, he stated that the four Lebanese detainees who had been held by Israel during the recent war were released on Wednesday, and on Thursday, the fifth detainee was freed. This was achieved through indirect negotiations.
A ceasefire agreement for southern Lebanon came into effect on November 27, mandating the withdrawal of Israeli forces from border villages and towns within 60 days. The Lebanese government later agreed to extend the deadline until February 18. Israeli forces subsequently withdrew from all villages and towns except for five positions.