Tensions Escalate as Ceasefire Deadlines Missed in Southern Lebanon
The fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, brokered in November, is under strain as deadlines for troop withdrawals remain unmet, sparking protests and violence in the border region. Demonstrators, some waving Hezbollah flags, attempted to enter several villages to protest Israel’s failure to withdraw from southern Lebanon within the agreed 60-day timeframe.
The agreement, designed to “promote conditions for a permanent and comprehensive situation,” stipulated that Israeli troops would leave southern Lebanon within two months. However, Israel has announced it must stay longer, citing concerns that the Lebanese army is not yet positioned to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its presence in the area.
The Lebanese army, in turn, argues that it cannot deploy its forces until Israeli soldiers have fully withdrawn. This standoff has created a dangerous impasse,with both sides blaming each other for the escalating tensions.
In a statement, the Israeli army accused Hezbollah of inciting Sunday’s protests, claiming its soldiers fired warning shots to “prevent threats in several places where suspicious people were identified.” Several individuals near Israeli troops were detained and interrogated.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the situation. UN Special Coordinator in Lebanon Janina Henis-Plashart and UN Peace Mission (Unifil) head Aroldo Lasaro issued a joint statement urging both parties to comply with their obligations under the ceasefire agreement.
“The fact is that the deadlines provided for in the November agreement have not been met,” the statement said. “As tragically visible this morning, there have not yet been conditions for citizens to return to their villages along the blue line” – the demarcation line between Israel and lebanon.
Unifil warned that further violence could jeopardize the region’s fragile security and stability.The mission called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, the removal of unauthorized armaments south of the Litani River, the full deployment of the Lebanese army, and the safe return of displaced civilians to both sides of the blue line.
The protests and clashes have already resulted in injuries across more than ten villages in the border area.Among those affected are two women and one Lebanese army soldier, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing tensions.
As the situation remains volatile, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can restore peace and stability to the region.
Key Points at a Glance
| issue | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Ceasefire Agreement | Brokered in november, required Israeli withdrawal within 60 days. |
| Current Status | Israel remains in southern Lebanon, citing security concerns. |
| Lebanese Army Position | cannot deploy until Israeli troops withdraw. |
| UN Statement | Calls for compliance with ceasefire terms and warns of further violence. |
| Human Impact | Injuries reported in over ten villages; civilians unable to return home. |
The path forward remains uncertain, but the stakes are clear: without swift action, the region risks sliding back into conflict.
