Hamas, Israel congratulate new Lebanese president

Hamas issued a statement on Thursday congratulating Jospeh Aoun for being elected as Lebanon's new president.

The Palestinian group wished Aoun “success in leading the country towards prosperity” and said it hoped he can help Lebanon liberate "their land from the Zionist enemy”.

Hamas also called for Lebanon to grant Palestinian refugees in the country their social and human rights until they can return to their homeland.

Israel also offered its congratulations to Aoun, with the country's foreign minister saying he hopes Aoun will usher in a period of friendlier relations between Israel and Lebanon.

“I hope that this choice will contribute towards stability, a better future for Lebanon and its people and to good neighborly relations,” Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on X.

Israel's military is currently occupying parts of southern Lebanon, and despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah they continue to attack and bomb sites in the area, including civilian homes.