Israeli Attacks Persist Despite Ceasefire in Southern Lebanon
Despite a ceasefire agreement entering its fourth day, Israeli aggression continues to target border towns and villages in southern Lebanon, raising concerns about the fragile peace.
Early Saturday morning, Israeli artillery bombarded the outskirts of Shaqra village, near Hula. The night before, machine gun fire targeted the areas surrounding Bani Hayyan and Markaba. The occupying forces also unleashed heavy machine guns towards Maroun al-Ras and several Bint Jbeil neighborhoods, depriving residents of the opportunity to check on their homes and belongings.
Adding to the tension, Israeli reconnaissance aircraft and drones conducted surveillance flights over villages in western and central Lebanon, underscoring the continuing threat posed by Israeli military maneuvers.
Warnings abound about the dangers posed by unexploded cluster bombs, rockets and shells employed in the targeted areas. The outskirts of Qabrikha town and Wadi Saluki also came under fire from enemy machine guns.
Following three days of ceasefire, the return of displaced residents has been uneven. While some areas witnessed over 80% of residents returning, border towns saw a mere 10% return, highlighting the profound impact the conflict has had on these communities.
Continued Israeli attacks, widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, and the presence of deadly unexploded ordnance have hampered the return process, leaving many hesitant to risk their safety.
However, in areas like Tiriodh and smaller villages in Bint Jbeil, the resilient spirit of the Lebanese people is undeniable. These towns have witnessed the beginning of recovery efforts, with debris removal, road clearing, and the restoration of essential services like water and electricity underway.
In a statement released Saturday, the Israeli army claimed to have uncovered weapons they alleged were discovered in a mosque used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The army affirmed its commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement while simultaneously stating its intent to remove "suspects" from the southern sector – a phrase that has raised concerns about ongoing military activity in the region.
As the dust settles, the Lebanese Ministry of Health released the latest casualty figures, reporting 3,961 fatalities and 16,520 wounded as a result of the recent Israeli aggression.
**
The situation in southern Lebanon remains tense. While the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, the ongoing attacks and challenges faced by returning residents underscore the fragility of the peace and the urgent need for a sustained and comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
2024-11-30 08:37:00
#Israel #continues #attacks #southern #Lebanon #ceasefire
## Israeli Ceasefire Violations Fuel Fears of Renewed Conflict in southern Lebanon
Despite a ceasefire agreement entering its fourth day, tensions remain high in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces continue to target border towns and villages. Reports of artillery bombardment, machine gun fire, and reconnaissance flights have raised serious concerns about the fragile peace and the potential for a return to full-scale conflict. This ongoing aggression has also severely hampered the return of displaced residents, many fearing for their safety amidst widespread destruction and the threat of unexploded ordnance.
To shed light on this complex situation and its potential ramifications, we spoke with two leading experts: Dr. Leila khalil,a Middle east peace analyst at the Institute for Global Studies,and retired Brigadier General david Cohen,a former Israeli Defense Forces officer and military strategist.
***
### Persistent Ceasefire Violations: Why Now?
**World Today News:** Dr. Khalil, despite the official ceasefire, reports indicate continued Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon. What factors might be driving these violations?
**dr. Leila Khalil:** Several factors could be at play.First, there is a long history of mistrust between Israel and Hezbollah, and both sides may be wary of fully adhering to the ceasefire. Second, Israel may be trying to pressure Hezbollah by maintaining a military presence and carrying out targeted attacks. Thay might see this as a way to weaken Hezbollah’s position and deter future hostilities.
**World Today News:** General Cohen, do you agree with this assessment? What is Israel’s likely strategic objective in conducting these attacks despite the ceasefire?
**Brig. Gen. David Cohen:** Israel’s primary concern is the security of its northern border. they view Hezbollah as a significant threat and are likely conducting these actions to dismantle any potential Hezbollah military infrastructure or weapons stockpiles in the region. Israel insists the targeting of specific sites like the alleged Hezbollah weapons cache in a mosque is a legitimate security measure to prevent future threats.
***
### Impact on Returning Residents and Reconstruction Efforts
**World Today news:** dr. Khalil, the article mentions a stark contrast in the rate of return for displaced residents. What challenges are they facing, and how is this impacting the recovery process?
**Dr. Leila Khalil:** The ongoing Israeli military activity is creating a climate of fear and uncertainty for many residents. The presence of unexploded ordnance, damaged infrastructure, and the psychological trauma of the recent conflict are significant obstacles.
“Until a comprehensive ceasefire is implemented and there’s a guarantee of safety,many families will be reluctant to return home. This delay in the return process will hinder Lebanon’s efforts to rebuild and recover,” she adds.
**World Today News:** General Cohen, what measures can Israel take to address the concerns of returning residents and facilitate a smoother reconstruction process?
**Brig. Gen. David Cohen:** Israel understands the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and collateral damage. They have emphasized their commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement and are working with the United Nations to ensure the safe return of displaced individuals. Additionally, Israel could consider providing humanitarian assistance to support reconstruction efforts in affected areas.
***
### Looking Forward: The Path to lasting Peace
**World Today News:** What are the potential long-term consequences if these ceasefire violations persist and a genuine peace agreement remains elusive?
**Dr. Leila Khalil:** A prolonged period of instability would have dire consequences for Lebanon and the entire region. It could lead to further escalations of violence, a humanitarian crisis, and undermine international efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the israeli-Palestinian conflict.
** Brig. Gen. David Cohen:** It’s crucial that all parties involved act responsibly and demonstrate commitment to the ceasefire. Meaningful negotiations must take place to address the underlying issues driving the conflict. Ultimately, a lasting peace can only be achieved thru a comprehensive political solution that addresses the legitimate security concerns of both Israel and Lebanon.
***
The future of Southern Lebanon remains uncertain. While the ceasefire offers a temporary respite, the ongoing Israeli attacks and the challenges facing returning residents highlight the fragility of the peace.A sustainable resolution requires a commitment from all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement,address the root causes of the conflict,and work towards a lasting and just peace.
**What are your thoughts on the situation? Share your comments below and join the conversation.**
For further insights, read our related articles on the history of the Israeli-Lebanese conflict and the role of international organizations in conflict resolution.
