Israeli Forces Miss Ceasefire Deadline, Open Fire on Lebanese Civilians
Israeli troops fired on residents of southern Lebanon, killing two and wounding 32, as hundreds attempted to return to their homes on the deadline for Israel’s withdrawal from the area. The incident underscores the fragility of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group,which took effect on 27 November.
Under the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, the Lebanese army was to deploy alongside United Nations peacekeepers in the south as Israeli forces withdrew over a 60-day period ending today.Though, Israel has failed to meet the deadline, citing incomplete enforcement of the agreement by Lebanon.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli forces opened fire in at least two border towns, Houla and Kfar Kila, targeting “citizens who were trying to return to their villages.” Earlier, Lebanon’s National News Agency stated that several people in Kfar Kila were wounded after crossing a barrier set up by Israeli forces.
Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee had warned residents of over 60 villages, including Kfar Kila and Houla, not to return. Despite this, convoys of vehicles carrying hundreds of people attempted to re-enter their villages. AFPTV live images from Kfar Kila showed crowds gathered near Lebanese security vehicles, some waving yellow Hezbollah flags.
The Lebanese army accused Israel of “procrastination” in its withdrawal, noting that while Israeli forces have left coastal areas, they remain present further east. The ceasefire agreement requires Hezbollah to pull back its forces north of the Litani River, approximately 30km from the border, and dismantle military infrastructure in the south.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the ceasefire agreement “has not yet been fully enforced by the Lebanese state,” justifying the delay in withdrawal. “The gradual withdrawal process will continue in full coordination with the United States,” the statement added.
Hezbollah MP Ali Fayad accused Israel of using “excuses” to pursue a “scorched earth policy” in border areas, making it impossible for displaced residents to return. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasized the “need to oblige Israel to respect the terms of the deal” and end its “successive violations,” including the destruction of border villages.UN secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for Israel to end its military operations and “occupation” in southern Lebanon. While the ceasefire has generally held, both sides have accused each other of violations.The Israeli military continues to carry out strikes targeting hezbollah fighters,and Lebanese state media reports demolitions in villages under Israeli control.
The 27 November deal ended two months of full-scale war, which began after Hezbollah initiated cross-border fire with Israel following the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas. Hezbollah has warned that any violation of the 60-day deadline would be considered a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire and an “infringement on Lebanese sovereignty.”
Key Points Summary
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Incident | Israeli troops fired on Lebanese civilians, killing 2 and wounding 32. |
| Ceasefire agreement | Took effect on 27 November, with a 60-day withdrawal period ending today. |
| Israeli Position | Claims Lebanon has not fully enforced the agreement, delaying withdrawal. |
| Hezbollah’s Response | Warns of violations and calls for Lebanese state action.|
| International Role | UN and US oversee ceasefire; France and Lebanon urge compliance.|
The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of the ceasefire. For the latest updates on the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, follow trusted news sources and stay informed.
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Examining the Fragile Ceasefire in Southern Lebanon: Interview with Middle East Expert Dr. Nadia El-Hassan
The recent escalation in southern Lebanon has raised concerns about the stability of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement that took effect on 27 November. Israeli troops fired on Lebanese civilians attempting to return to their homes, resulting in two deaths and 32 injuries. To unpack the complexities of this situation, we spoke with dr. Nadia El-Hassan,a renowned Middle East expert and professor of international relations at the University of Beirut.
The Incident in Southern Lebanon: What Happened?
Senior Editor: Dr. El-Hassan, can you provide some context on the recent incident where Israeli forces opened fire on Lebanese civilians in Houla and Kfar kila?
Dr. El-Hassan: Certainly. The incident occurred as hundreds of displaced Lebanese civilians attempted to return to their villages following the deadline for Israeli withdrawal under the ceasefire agreement. Israeli troops had warned residents not to return, citing security concerns, but many ignored the warnings. The use of live fire in this context is deeply troubling and highlights the fragility of the ceasefire. It’s importent to note that this incident occurred against the backdrop of Israel’s failure to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon, which has exacerbated tensions.
The Ceasefire Agreement: Where Are the Challenges?
Senior Editor: the ceasefire agreement stipulated a 60-day withdrawal period for Israeli forces, which ended today. Why has Israel not met this deadline?
Dr. El-Hassan: Israel has claimed that Lebanon has not fully enforced the terms of the agreement, particularly regarding the deployment of Lebanese army forces alongside United Nations peacekeepers. They argue that this incomplete enforcement justifies their delayed withdrawal. however, Lebanon and Hezbollah view this as an excuse to maintain a military presence in the south. The lack of trust between the parties is a significant obstacle to implementing the ceasefire in good faith.
Hezbollah’s Response: What’s at Stake?
Senior editor: Hezbollah has been vocal about its concerns. What is their stance on the current situation, and how might they respond?
Dr.El-Hassan: Hezbollah has warned that any delay in Israel’s withdrawal constitutes a violation of the ceasefire and an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty. They’ve called on the Lebanese state to take action to enforce the agreement. While Hezbollah has shown restraint so far, ther’s a risk that continued provocations could lead to renewed hostilities. The group has significant influence in southern Lebanon, and their patience is being tested by Israel’s actions.
The International Community’s Role: Can Mediation help?
Senior Editor: The United Nations and the United States are overseeing the ceasefire,with France also urging compliance. How effective has international mediation been so far?
Dr. El-hassan: International mediation has been crucial in brokering the ceasefire and maintaining a degree of stability. Though, the recent incident underscores the limitations of external oversight. Both the UN and the US have called for calm, but there’s a growing need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. France’s involvement, particularly in conversations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, has added diplomatic pressure, but ultimately, the parties themselves must commit to the agreement.
The Path Forward: what Lies Ahead for Southern Lebanon?
Senior Editor: What are the key steps needed to de-escalate tensions and achieve lasting peace in the region?
Dr. El-Hassan: First, Israel must complete its withdrawal in line with the ceasefire agreement, and Lebanon must ensure the full deployment of its army in the south. Second, both sides need to engage in confidence-building measures to reduce mistrust. the international community must continue to play an active role in monitoring and supporting the implementation of the agreement. The situation remains precarious, but with sustained effort, there’s hope for a more stable and peaceful southern Lebanon.
Conclusion
The ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon highlight the challenges of enforcing a ceasefire in a deeply divided region. As both sides navigate this fraught situation, the international community’s role remains critical in ensuring compliance and preventing further escalation. For now, the focus is on maintaining the fragile peace and addressing the root causes of the conflict.
