nTensions Escalate as Israeli Forces Remain in South Lebanon beyond Ceasefire Deadline
BEIRUT — Israeli forces killed 22 people in south Lebanon on January 26 as a deadline for their withdrawal passed, sparking outrage and defiance among thousands of residents attempting to return to their homes. The incident has deepened the crisis in a region already scarred by months of conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The violence unfolded as Israel announced it would keep troops in the south beyond the January 26 deadline set out in a US-brokered ceasefire. Israel claims Lebanon has not fully enforced the agreement’s terms, which require the removal of Hezbollah arms and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the region.
Lebanon’s military, which reported one of its soldiers among the dead, accused Israel of delaying its withdrawal. The Hezbollah-israel conflict, which ran parallel to the Gaza war, peaked in a major Israeli offensive that displaced over a million people and left Hezbollah significantly weakened.
Lebanon’s health ministry stated that 22 people were killed and 124 wounded in multiple locations as Israeli forces attacked citizens attempting to enter their still-occupied towns. The Israeli military defended its actions, stating that troops “fired warning shots to remove threats” and apprehended “a number of suspects… that posed an imminent threat.”
Hezbollah’s al-Manar television station broadcast footage of residents moving toward villages early on January 26, some carrying the group’s flag and images of fighters killed in the war. An Israeli military spokesperson accused Hezbollah of trying to “heat up the situation” and promised to inform residents of safe return areas “in the near future.”
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan fadlallah emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to the ceasefire but accused Israel of violating it with US support. “What is happening in the border villages is a liberation by the power of the people, and our people will not be broken by the Israeli army,” he told Reuters.
The top UN official in Lebanon and the head of UN peacekeepers in the south warned that conditions were “not yet in place” for the safe return of citizens. “The fact is that the timelines envisaged” in the ceasefire “have not been met,” they saeid in a statement.
Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayad accused Israel of using “excuses” to pursue a “scorched earth policy” in border areas, making the return of displaced residents “unachievable.” Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged restraint and trust in the Lebanese military, asserting that “Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.”
Israel has not specified how long its forces will remain in the south,where it claims to be seizing Hezbollah weapons and dismantling its infrastructure. The offensive aimed to secure the return of tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by Hezbollah rocket fire.
the conflict began on October 8, 2023, a day after Hamas attacked Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel intensified its campaign against Hezbollah in September 2024, killing its long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah warned on January 23 that any violation of the 60-day deadline would be a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire and an “infringement on Lebanese sovereignty.” While refraining from threats to resume attacks, the group urged the Lebanese state to use “all means necessary… to restore the land.”
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| casualties | 22 killed, 124 wounded in Israeli attacks on January 26 |
| Ceasefire Deadline | January 26, 2025 |
| Israeli Troop Presence | Extended beyond deadline, citing non-compliance with ceasefire terms |
| Hezbollah’s Stance | Accuses Israel of violating ceasefire, urges Lebanese state action |
| UN Assessment | Conditions not yet safe for return of displaced residents |
As tensions simmer, the region remains on edge, with the international community closely monitoring the situation. The path to peace appears fraught with challenges, as both sides dig in their heels.
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Tensions Escalate as Israeli Forces Remain in South Lebanon Beyond Ceasefire Deadline
Table of Contents
as the region grapples with the fallout from the recent Israeli attacks in South Lebanon,tensions continue to rise following the expiration of the January 26 ceasefire deadline. in this interview, Senior Editor of World-Today-News.com speaks with Dr. samir Khalaf, a renowned Middle East geopolitical analyst, to delve into the complexities of the situation, the role of Hezbollah, and the broader implications for regional stability.
Understanding the Ceasefire Violations
Editor: Dr. Khalaf, thank you for joining us. The ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. set a clear deadline of January 26 for Israeli troops to withdraw from South Lebanon. Why do you think israel has chosen to extend its presence beyond this date?
Dr.Khalaf: Thank you for having me.Israel’s decision to extend its military presence in South Lebanon stems from its assertion that Lebanon has not fully complied with the ceasefire terms. Specifically,israel claims that Hezbollah’s arsenal remains intact in the region, and the Lebanese army has not adequately deployed to enforce the agreement. This has created a deadlock, with Israel viewing its presence as necessary to ensure its security interests.
Hezbollah’s Response and Lebanese Sovereignty
Editor: Hezbollah has accused Israel of violating Lebanese sovereignty by remaining in south Lebanon. How notable is this accusation in the context of the wider conflict?
Dr.Khalaf: The accusation is highly significant. Hezbollah has long positioned itself as a defender of Lebanese sovereignty, and this rhetoric resonates deeply with its supporters. By framing Israel’s actions as a violation of national sovereignty, Hezbollah is attempting to galvanize domestic and international support. Though,it’s worth noting that Hezbollah’s own presence and activities in the region have also been a point of contention,complicating the dynamics of Lebanese sovereignty.
The Human Cost and Displacement
Editor: The recent Israeli attacks resulted in 22 deaths and 124 injuries, with many attempting to return to their homes.what does this say about the humanitarian situation in South Lebanon?
Dr. Khalaf: The human cost of this conflict cannot be overstated. Over a million peopel were displaced during the peak of hostilities, and the recent violence underscores the challenges faced by those attempting to return home. The UN has rightly pointed out that conditions are not yet safe for the return of displaced residents. This highlights the urgent need for a enduring resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians.
International Community’s Role
Editor: The international community is closely monitoring the situation. What role can external actors play in de-escalating tensions and ensuring compliance with the ceasefire?
Dr. Khalaf: The international community,especially the United Nations and key regional powers,has a critical role to play. Mediation efforts must focus on ensuring both sides adhere to the ceasefire terms while addressing the underlying issues that fuel the conflict. This includes addressing Hezbollah’s military presence, israel’s security concerns, and the broader geopolitical tensions in the region. Without decisive international engagement, the risk of renewed hostilities remains high.
Looking ahead: A Path to Peace?
Editor: Dr. Khalaf, do you see a path to peace in the near future, or are we likely to see further escalation?
Dr. Khalaf: The path to peace is fraught with challenges. Both sides are entrenched in their positions, and the stakes are high. However, I believe that sustained diplomatic efforts, combined with confidence-building measures, could pave the way for de-escalation. It will require political will, compromise, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict. While the road ahead is uncertain, the choice—continued violence—is untenable for all parties involved.
conclusion
The situation in South Lebanon remains volatile as Israeli forces extend their presence beyond the ceasefire deadline,and Hezbollah accuses Israel of violating Lebanese sovereignty. The human cost of the conflict continues to mount, with displaced residents struggling to return home.While the international community remains engaged, the path to peace is uncertain, underscoring the need for decisive diplomatic efforts to address the underlying tensions and prevent further escalation.
