In a humanitarian step that underscores the power of diplomatic outreach, Israel transferred four Lebanese civilians to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday. The release is part of a broader agreement in which Lebanon will assist in locating the remains of Jewish Lebanese citizens who disappeared amid the country’s brutal civil war.
Details of the prisoner release
The four detainees, all civilians, were taken to the ICRC’s convoy near the Naqoura border crossing in southern Lebanon. One of the released, Malek Ghazi, was handed over to the Lebanese army after a brief stay with the Red Cross. Another family, represented by Mahmoud Ayash, learned that his brother Hussein Ayash – held for more than two months – had been freed and was now with the ICRC.
Humanitarian context
The ICRC noted that it has not had access to Israeli‑held detainees since October 2023 and called for continued access to the remaining prisoners. “Many families in Lebanon are still waiting for answers about the fate of loved ones who may be detained, deceased or otherwise unaccounted for,” the organization said.
Political backdrop
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the release follows Lebanon’s commitment to help locate the bodies of Jewish Lebanese leaders abducted and murdered by terrorist groups in the 1980s. The deal was facilitated by U.S. mediation and reflects ongoing, albeit fragile, negotiations between the two nations.
Lebanon and Israel have no formal diplomatic relations, yet they have engaged in direct talks since the March 2 outbreak of hostilities involving Israel and the Iran‑backed Hezbollah militia. While a U.S.-mediated framework signed in June called for Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied southern Lebanese territory in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament, implementation has stalled. Hezbollah remains outside the talks and has refused to relinquish its weapons north of the Litani River.
Looking ahead
Further negotiations are slated for Rome later this month, with both sides hoping to address remaining issues such as the status of remaining detainees and the broader security arrangement along the border.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
