Israel Kidnaps Lebanese Shepherd, UNIFIL Holds Contacts to Release Him
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Lebanese shepherd Youssef Mohamed Zahra was abducted Friday by the Israeli army near the Southern area of Shebaa Farms, while he was grazing his flock in the Shahel region, state-run National News Agency reported.
The farmer was ambushed by Israeli troops who crossed 20 meters into the Lebanese territory.
Zahra was blindfolded and abducted into the occupied territories.
The Lebanese army sent a complaint to the leadership of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura, considering the accident as “a violation of the border” and demanding the immediate release of the abducted shepherd.
UNIFIL opened an investigation, holding contacts with the Israeli army to release the kidnapped.
UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said that "the Lebanese army informed the UNIFIL of the kidnapping which in turn held contacts with the Israeli army.
Tenenti said the Israeli army confirmed the abduction, adding that efforts are being exerted to release Zahra as soon as possible.
Foreign Minister Mansour condemned the abduction of Zahra, "pointing out that "the international community must force Israel to stop its recurrent and persistent violations against Lebanon."
29 June 2012, 19:09
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The first thing that Mohamed Zahra did when asked by the Israelis to make one request was to call his distant cousin Antoine Zahra. Antoine promised Mohamed that he will ask Dr. Mustapha Bin Geagea al Manfalouty to seek his release through his Israeli buddies. Mohamed felt comfortable after that and promised to join the Lebanese Sunni Fartses as soon as he is freed.
29 June 2012, 21:10
01
Israel kidnaps Lebanese, Syria kidnaps Lebanese, Lebanese kidnaps Lebanese etc... what the heck is going on...the poor Lebanese don't have anyone to protect them..where the so called Lebanese government???
30 June 2012, 01:05
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The shepherd is extremely fortunate, He got to travel abroad without ikhraj eid fardi, ID or passport.
30 June 2012, 08:50
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And march 14 want Hezbollah to hand over it's weapon to the Army:)Army only make a complaint to UNIFIL, why not send in rescue unit or start bombing targets inside occupied Palestine, like israel did in 2006? Before anyone complains over Hezbollah's arms I would ask those who complain, where were you while martyrs defended south Lebanon during 22 years of occupation? Hezbollah will never give up its arms.
