The Israeli military has set up roadblocks in southern Lebanon and announced a delay in its withdrawal from the region despite a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. This has led to significant destruction and displacement in towns such as Mays al-Jabal, raising humanitarian concerns and complicating the efforts of UN peacekeepers. The situation reflects ongoing tensions and accusations between Israel and Lebanon regarding adherence to the agreement.
The Israeli military established numerous roadblocks in southern Lebanon, particularly around border towns, as it announced its decision to delay withdrawal by the predetermined deadline. This follows an agreement made at the end of November aimed at ceasing hostilities with Hezbollah, which mandated a 60-day period for both parties to retract their forces and facilitate the deployment of the Lebanese military and U.N. peacekeepers. Israel claims that both Hezbollah and the Lebanese army have not fulfilled their withdrawal obligations, while Lebanon accuses Israel of obstructing the Lebanese military’s authority.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli military activities continue, with reports indicating that U.N. peacekeepers have noticed Israeli tanks moving into the area, setting up roadblocks to restrict movement of displaced Lebanese individuals attempting to return home. The dismantling of buildings by Israeli forces has resulted in significant destruction, with Mays al-Jabal effectively abandoned, while neighboring towns like Blida and Aitaroun face similar devastation. The infrastructure collapse has made it impossible for civilians to return, leading to substantial humanitarian concerns.
UNIFIL peacekeepers have encountered difficulties navigating these roadblocks, highlighting the ongoing Israeli presence and military activities in the region. Major Dinesh Bhandari of the Nepalese battalion referenced continuous Israeli army actions impeding the deployment of the Lebanese armed forces, pointing out the discovery of Hezbollah’s weapon caches during patrols. Israel asserts its operations target Hezbollah’s remaining infrastructure and tunnel networks.
Lebanese officials have raised alarms over the extensive damage to civilian properties and infrastructure attributed to Israeli actions. In a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the significant destruction that has thwarted the return of displaced residents to their homes. As of now, approximately 112,000 Lebanese individuals remain displaced in the aftermath of the conflict, with over a million having been uprooted during the hostilities.
This article discusses the current state of affairs between Israel and Hezbollah following a ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military’s decision to maintain control in southern Lebanon and set up roadblocks reflects the complexities of the situation on the ground. The withdrawal plan, initially outlined in a ceasefire agreement, has faced challenges as both parties blame each other for non-compliance. The context is set against the backdrop of significant destruction caused by ongoing military operations in the region. The presence of UNIFIL peacekeepers and the challenges they face further complicate the situation, as they attempt to support a stable environment amidst the chaos. Displacement and destruction are primary humanitarian issues, exacerbated by the military actions of both Israel and Hezbollah. The political implications of this situation extend to the involvement of international entities, such as the U.S. and France, in ensuring adherence to the ceasefire agreement.
In summary, the Israeli military’s establishment of roadblocks and the postponement of its withdrawal from southern Lebanon signal ongoing tensions in the region following the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as infrastructure collapses and thousands of Lebanese remain displaced. The implications of these actions underscore a complex political landscape, challenging the peacekeeping efforts of the international community and heightening concerns over regional stability.
Original Source: apnews.com
