Lebanon’s Army Chief in Pakistan: Funeral of Martyred Soldiers and New Paths to Ceasefire

 

Special Report by Pakistan Times Live

Islamabad: June 07, 2026

The last rites of three Lebanese soldiers martyred in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon will be held today (Sunday). The funeral comes at a critical moment when Lebanese Army Chief General Rodolph Haikal has arrived in Pakistan on an unannounced visit. This visit is part of ongoing mediation efforts amid the US-Iran war, sparking new hopes for peace in the region.

**💔 The Tragedy of Martyrdom: A Deadly Attack on a Military Vehicle**

Last week, an Israeli airstrike directly targeted a Lebanese army vehicle on the Khardali-Nabatieh road. The attack martyred Brigadier General Wassam Sabra, Captain Eli Khoury, and Private Hassan Ghazal. While the Israeli military claimed the operation took place in an "active combat zone," Lebanese officials have called it a "deliberate killing and an attempt to sabotage all ceasefire efforts."

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the attack aimed "to thwart all efforts to reach a solution." Prime Minister Najib Mikati described it as "an abominable crime and an attack on the entire Lebanese people."

**🇵🇰 Pakistan: The New Center of Mediation**

The arrival of Lebanese Army Chief General Rodolph Haikal in Pakistan is no ordinary event. Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between the US and Iran, and this visit comes despite Washington’s insistence that Lebanon’s ceasefire negotiations remain separate from US-Iran talks.

Experts believe Pakistan’s efforts represent a responsible strategy to reduce escalating tensions in the Middle East. Pakistan has proven through its wise foreign policy that it can be an effective peace mediator in the region.

**⚔️ Fighting Continues: Israeli Attacks and Hezbollah’s Response**

The situation in southern Lebanon remains highly tense. Last night, Israeli warplanes targeted several towns in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa Valley. An attack on the town of Saksakiyeh in the Tyre district killed at least two people and injured 22, including three children and one woman. A drone strike on the town of Shahbiyeh injured two others.

Israeli artillery also bombarded the villages of Barashit, Chakra, Al-Mansouri, and Beit Al-Sayyad. An attack was also carried out on Dubeir near Nabatieh, north of the Litani River.

On the other hand, Hezbollah has continued its rocket, artillery, and drone attacks against Israeli forces, particularly near Beaufort Castle in Yohmor al-Shqif.

**🏚️ The "Lebanonization" of Gaza: A Horrifying Reality**

According to local observers, Israel is now implementing the same strategy in Lebanon that it previously used in Gaza — targeting schools, hospitals, clinics, and even paramedics and rescue workers.

This strategy has been termed the "Lebanonization of Gaza." Under it, the concept of a so-called "Yellow Line" has been introduced, which continues to expand and now covers nearly one-fifth of Lebanon. This is the same Yellow Line that had already engulfed 60% of Gaza.

**🕊️ No Option but Negotiations: A Lebanese Lawmaker’s Voice**

Lebanese parliament member Najat Aoun Saliba, an independent, expressed deep concern over the Israeli aggression, stating that Lebanon has no choice but to negotiate with Israel. She argued that given the imbalance of military power, war would only lead Lebanon to further destruction.

She made it clear that Hezbollah has failed to stop Israeli aggression, and negotiations are now the only viable path. Saliba asked: "If we don't have negotiations, what is the alternative? Is the alternative war? War will not give us peace."

**📊 Total Casualties and Destruction**

According to Pakistan Times Live, the war that resumed on March 2 has now killed over 3,500 people in Lebanon. More than one million have been displaced. Iranian casualties are also close to 3,500, and the global economy has suffered severe damage.

**🇮🇷 Iran’s Condition and the Future**

Tehran has made it clear that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is a precondition for any potential peace agreement with the US. This means that until a ceasefire is reached in Lebanon, Iran will not make progress in negotiations with the US.

All eyes are now on Pakistan’s wise mediation. Can Pakistan once again make history and bring both parties to the negotiating table? The coming days will answer this question.

Pakistan Times Live is closely monitoring the situation and will provide readers with further analysis and breaking news soon.