"It is shameful to demand the disarmament of the national resistance when the blood of the martyrs is still warm," declared Lahud in a communiqué distributed by the presidency.

The Israeli army, which began its withdrawal Wednesday, will remain in the south of Lebanon until UN forces arrive, affirmed Dan Halutz, chief of general staff of the Defense Forces of that country, reported PL.

The declaration was drafted by the legislature after intelligence services presented a report to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, which suggested that the withdrawal of the multinational contingent could take several months.

The UN World Food Program (WFP) stated that lack of funds could cause a suspension of their operations to care for displaced persons in Lebanon, reported EFE.

Regarding the war victims, WFP cited the recovery of many bodies under the rubble of houses and buildings, especially in the south, and stated that the number of civilian victims has risen to 1,152 with a further 3,700 wounded, while the figure for destroyed homes is around 15,000.

WFP estimated that 702,413 people are currently homeless.

Prensa Latina reported that the first Lebanese soldiers that are to occupy positions evacuated by Israel in the south of the country are due to reach the border location of Maryayun on Wednesday are expected to be deployed on the Blue Line.

The press stressed that this will be the first time in 38 years that national troops have been in that part of Lebanese territory.

After reaching Maryayun, troops from the 10th Brigade of the Lebanese infantry, with 2,500 soldiers, will arrive in Maryayun and within 24 hours will be deployed along the southern border where the Blue Line has been drawn by the UN.

The Blue Line is a marker based on the 1978 Security Council Resolution 425 regarding the withdrawal of Israeli troops who had invaded this Arab nation.