In a tragic turn of events, Israeli forces fired upon residents in southern Lebanon, resulting in two fatalities and 32 injuries, according to health officials. This incident unfolded as hundreds of anxious individuals attempted to return to their homes, coinciding with the deadline for the Israeli troops to fully withdraw from the region.
Amid growing tension, it was evident that Israel was poised to miss the stipulated deadline outlined in a ceasefire agreement that was forged two months prior, effectively ending its conflict with the Iran-aligned Hezbollah group.
This ceasefire, in accordance with the terms set forth on November 27, mandated that the Lebanese military would position itself alongside United Nations peacekeepers in the south while Israeli forces gradually departed over a 60-day timeline concluding today. However, the ground reality painted a different picture.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health asserted that Israeli fire erupted in at least two border towns, targeting “citizens attempting to return to their villages.” Amidst these alarming developments, the National News Agency of Lebanon reported injuries in Kfar Kila, where individuals had crossed barriers established by Israeli forces.
In a rather sobering message, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged residents from more than 60 southern Lebanese villages—including Kfar Kila and Houla—not to return home. Yet, it’s hard to blame the hopeful citizens for defying warnings, as convoys of vehicles filled with families continued to make their way back to several villages, undeterred by the presence of military forces.
On the ground, AFPTV captured scenes from Kfar Kila, where throngs of people, some proudly waving yellow Hezbollah flags, gathered near Lebanese security vehicles blocking off access to roads leading to petrol stations. Just beyond them, an Israeli military vehicle could be spotted, stationed on a deserted stretch of road, a stark reminder of the tensions that brew.
On the previous day, the Lebanese military lamented that the delay in implementing the withdrawal agreement primarily stemmed from prolonged procrastination on Israel’s part. While Israeli forces had retreated from coastal areas of southern Lebanon, their presence remained entrenched in eastern pockets.
The ceasefire stipulated that Hezbollah must withdraw north of the Litani River—about 30 kilometers from the border—and dismantle any lingering military infrastructure in the southern region. Yet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office recently stated that the Lebanese government had not fully enacted the terms of the ceasefire. Consequently, the Israeli military’s withdrawal would stretch beyond today’s deadline.
Netanyahu’s office elaborated that “the withdrawal process hinges on the Lebanese army effectively deploying in southern Lebanon and enforcing the agreement, while also ensuring Hezbollah retreats beyond the Litani River.” The statement further proclaimed that “the gradual withdrawal process will continue in coordination with the United States,” a steadfast ally and one of the chief monitors of the ceasefire.
The Lebanese army, however, responded with a sense of readiness, voicing that it was prepared to continue its deployment just as soon as Israeli forces exited the region. Meanwhile, Hezbollah MP Ali Fayad decried Israel’s “excuses,” denouncing them as mere justifications for a “scorched earth policy” aimed at thwarting the return of displaced residents to their homes.
Engaging with international actors, Lebanon’s newly-appointed President Joseph Aoun discussed the situation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, also actively involved in supervising the tenuous truce. Aoun emphasized the urgent need for Israel to adhere to the terms of the deal to successfully maintain stability in the southern regions.
In a conversation reported by Aoun’s office, he articulated the necessity for Israel to “cease its ongoing violations, including the systematic destruction of border villages, which would obstruct the return of displaced residents.” Macron’s team echoed these sentiments, reiterating calls for all parties involved in the ceasefire to honor their commitments promptly.
The call for peace echoed even at the highest levels, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizing on January 17 that Israel must terminate its military operations and “occupation” in the south. While the ceasefire has largely held, tensions simmer beneath the surface, with both sides trading fiery accusations of violations.
Despite the fragile agreement, reports surfaced of Israeli military strikes targeting Hezbollah fighters and demolitions in areas under Israeli control. The ceasefire deal brokered on November 27 marked the end of two months of intense warfare, which had ensued following months of low-intensity confrontations.
Flashback to the initial escalation: Hezbollah engaged in cross-border fire with Israeli forces almost immediately following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel orchestrated by their Palestinian allies in Hamas, setting off a tsunami of conflict across the region. In a particularly heavy-handed campaign, Israel launched a blitz against Hezbollah in September, aiming to decimate the organization’s leadership, including its long-time chief, Hassan Nasrallah.
As tensions continue to escalate, Hezbollah issued a stark warning just last Thursday, declaring that any breach of the 60-day withdrawal deadline would be regarded as an egregious violation of the ceasefire, infringing upon Lebanon’s sovereignty. Although the group refrained from overtly threatening renewed attacks, they insisted that the Lebanese state utilize “all means necessary to reclaim territory and liberate it from the clutches of occupation.”
With countless lives intertwined in this complex geopolitical web, the specter of uncertainty looms large. As families continue to grapple with the ramifications of conflict, the quest for peace remains a distant dream in a landscape marred by turmoil.
Report By Axadle Desktop
