Mays Al-Jabal: Tensions have intensified in southern Lebanon after Israeli forces opened fire on protesters demanding their withdrawal in line with a ceasefire agreement. At least 22 people were killed and 124 others were injured in the violence, according to Lebanese health officials.
Hours after the deadly clashes, the White House announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend the deadline for Israeli forces to leave southern Lebanon until 18 February 2025. This comes after Israel requested more time beyond the original 60-day deadline set by the ceasefire agreement, which ended the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in late November.
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Israel explained that it needed more time because the Lebanese army had not yet deployed in all areas to prevent Hezbollah from regaining a foothold. The Lebanese army, however, has insisted that it cannot deploy until Israeli forces have fully withdrawn.
The White House confirmed the extension in a statement, saying, “the arrangement between Lebanon and Israel, monitored by the United States, will continue to be in effect until 18 February 2025.” The statement also mentioned that discussions would begin on the return of Lebanese prisoners captured during the conflict.
Deadly clashes as protesters demand withdrawal
The deadly violence erupted as protesters, including some carrying Hezbollah flags, attempted to enter several villages and demand that Israel comply with the original withdrawal deadline. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, the casualties included six women and a Lebanese army soldier.
The Israeli military attributed the protests to Hezbollah, claiming the group had stirred up unrest. In response, Israeli forces fired warning shots to disperse crowds and remove perceived threats. The military also apprehended several individuals suspected of approaching Israeli troops.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed the people of southern Lebanon, reaffirming the country’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged citizens to exercise restraint and trust the Lebanese Armed Forces, who were assisting civilians in entering some towns along the border.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, whose Amal Movement party is allied with Hezbollah, condemned the violence, describing it as a call for the international community to force Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories.
UN calls for compliance with ceasefire
The United Nations has urged both Israel and Lebanon to uphold their ceasefire obligations. The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and the head of the UN peacekeeping mission, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, issued a joint statement highlighting that the terms set out in the November ceasefire agreement had not been met.
The UN called for the full withdrawal of Israeli troops, the removal of unauthorized weapons in the south, and the safe return of displaced civilians. The peacekeeping force also warned that further violence could jeopardise the fragile security situation in the region.
Tensions persist along the border
The situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile. An AP team, who was temporarily stranded at a UNIFIL base near Mays al-Jabal, reported hearing gunshots and explosions early on Sunday as protests escalated. Many Lebanese civilians who fled during the conflict are now attempting to return to their homes, although the region remains under heavy military presence.
One resident, Hussein Bajouk, surveyed the remains of his home in Aita al Shaab, saying, “These are our houses. However much they destroy, we will rebuild.” Despite the destruction, Bajouk remained hopeful, claiming that former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was reportedly killed in September, would return.
On the Israeli side of the border, in the kibbutz of Manara, local resident Orna Weinberg reflected on the tragic consequences of the ongoing conflict. “Unfortunately, we have no way of defending our own children without harming their children,” she said, adding, “It’s a tragedy to all sides.”
Over 1 million people were displaced during the conflict, with 112,000 Lebanese still unable to return home. As tensions persist along the border, both sides continue to grapple with the ongoing crisis, with little sign of a peaceful resolution in sight.
Agency
Published: 27 Jan 2025, 06:22 am IST
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