Israel has breached a ceasefire deal in southern Lebanon, killing three and injuring dozens. The incident occurred as Israeli troops were due to withdraw, leading to tensions over Hezbollah’s presence. Lebanon’s government denies claims of insufficient troop deployment, and the situation highlights the complexities of regional security following a protracted conflict.
On the day Israeli forces were scheduled to withdraw from southern Lebanon under a ceasefire agreement, Israel killed three individuals and injured 31 others. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported that Israeli troops opened fire on citizens attempting to return to their homes in two border towns. This incident raises serious concerns about the violation of the ceasefire terms established in November.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned residents of over 60 villages in southern Lebanon against returning home. Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was obliged to withdraw its forces by 02:00 GMT on Sunday, yet the withdrawal has been delayed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed this delay to the insufficient pullback of Hezbollah from the border, a claim that Lebanon has officially denied.
Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr reported from Borj al-Mlouk, highlighting the Israeli military’s justification for remaining in the area, citing inadequate Lebanese military presence and ongoing Hezbollah activity. “The Israelis are saying there are not enough Lebanese troops on the ground and allege Hezbollah is still here. There is no independent confirmation concerning those claims,” she noted.
Per the ceasefire agreement provisions, the Lebanese army was to deploy with United Nations peacekeepers as Israel executed its withdrawal over a 60-day timeline. Hezbollah had committed to ceasing its operations north of the Litani River and dismantling its military capabilities in the southern region. This accord, facilitated by the United States and France, was meant to conclude over a year of conflict instigated by Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The ceasefire agreement, which was brokered in November, represented an effort to stabilize southern Lebanon following a prolonged period of conflict. The terms outlined a structured withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the Lebanese army alongside UN peacekeepers to ensure regional security. The involvement of Hezbollah and the tensions between Israeli and Lebanese forces were pivotal aspects of the negotiations, reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The recent violence in southern Lebanon marks a significant breach of the ceasefire agreement, complicating an already tense situation in the region. As Israeli forces continue to engage with Lebanese citizens amidst ongoing disputes about military presence and security, the need for adherence to international agreements remains critical. The situation underscores the fragility of peace efforts and the challenges posed by militant groups.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
