Lebanon flotilla rallies at sea border with Israel before US-brokered talks resume

FILE: Lebanese protesters ride in a yacht with an Arabic banner that reads 'No compromises No waivers, No negligence, Our maritime resources belong to us,' during a demonstration demanding Lebanon's right to disputed maritime oil and gas fields, in the southern marine border town of Naqoura, Lebanon, September 4, 2022. (AP Photo/ Mohammed Zaatari)
FILE: Lebanese protesters ride in a yacht with an Arabic banner that reads 'No compromises No waivers, No negligence, Our maritime resources belong to us,' during a demonstration demanding Lebanon's right to disputed maritime oil and gas fields, in the southern marine border town of Naqoura, Lebanon, September 4, 2022. (AP Photo/ Mohammed Zaatari)

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Lebanese protesters sail down the country’s coast in dozens of fishing boats and yachts toward Israel, days before a US envoy is expected in Beirut to continue mediating in a maritime border dispute between the two countries.

Lebanon and Israel, which have been officially at war since the latter’s creation in 1948, both claim an area of some 860 square kilometers (330 square miles) of the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon hopes to exploit offshore gas reserves as it grapples with the worst economic crisis in its modern history. Lebanon and Israel kicked off maritime border talks almost two years ago.

Today’s flotilla carries Lebanese flags and banners, with slogans in Arabic, French, and Hebrew expressing what they say is Lebanon’s right to its maritime oil and gas fields.

“We are demanding our right to every inch of our waters,” Aya Saleh, one of the protesters on a fishing boat, tells The Associated Press. “And we are sending a message from the Lebanese people.”

Lebanese and Israel navy vessels are present, though no tensions occur.

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