UN General Assembly Overwhelmingly Supports Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza /  Lebanese Army Enters Khiam After Occupying Forces Withdraw

 December 12, 2024

The political editor wrote

As reports emerge of significant progress toward a ceasefire agreement in Gaza – one that includes a gradual prisoner exchange, paves the way for negotiations to end the war, and schedules the occupying entity’s withdrawal – the UN General Assembly voted by an overwhelming majority of 158 out of 193 in favour of an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. This reflects growing international pressure to end the intolerable war crimes and a war that has claimed over 60,000 lives, injured more than 120,000, and left hundreds of thousands at risk of disease and starvation
Meanwhile, families of detainees held in Gaza attended hearings in the trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding the addition of charges related to his alleged obstruction of efforts to secure a prisoner exchange agreement. They also called for him to be held accountable for negligence leading to the al-Aqsa Flood operation.
In southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Army, including infantry, armored units, and engineering teams, entered the town of Khiam following the withdrawal of occupying forces. UNIFIL troops had preceded the Lebanese Army, verifying the complete withdrawal of the occupying entity from the town and its surroundings. This deployment marks the first tangible implementation of the ceasefire agreement and reflects commitments reached during the recent meeting of the five-party committee overseeing the ceasefire in Naqoura.
The development raises hopes for a smooth implementation of the agreement after weeks of provocations by the occupying forces, which had suggested significant challenges to the safe execution of the ceasefire and raised concerns of renewed security deterioration.
Amid continued Israeli aggressions in Syria, the Syrian Social Nationalist Party issued a statement condemning the violations of Syrian sovereignty, the occupation of additional territory, and the assassination of Syrian scientists and professionals. The statement described these actions as “a blatant challenge to international law and an affront to Syrian dignity”, they issued an alarm, urging all parties to take responsibility for defending Syria’s sovereignty, dignity, and future.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to communal unity as a bulwark against projects of fragmentation and division, emphasising that the Palestinian cause remains the cornerstone of its struggle and the compass of its resistance. The statement declared “This steadfast commitment guides our defence of our rights, our land, our sovereignty, and the honor of our people”.
It concluded by reiterating the priority of safeguarding societal unity while maintaining focus on Palestine, the Golan Heights, and all occupied territories, asserting, “These are the pillars of our struggle and the essence of our path forward”.