Escalating Violence Marks Deadline for Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon

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Israeli troops opened fire in southern Lebanon on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals, including one Lebanese soldier, and injuring 83 others as citizens attempted to return home. This violence coincided with a 60-day withdrawal deadline for Israeli forces as stipulated by a ceasefire agreement reached with Hezbollah on November 27, 2024.

With the deadline approaching, the Lebanese health ministry reported the fatalities and injuries, attributing the gunfire to Israeli forces targeting returning residents. Eyewitnesses described lines of vehicles, some displaying Hezbollah flags, trying to access various villages amidst ongoing Israeli military presence.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah praised the residents’ resolve, despite the threats from the Israeli military. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged citizens to trust the military to ensure their safe return, acknowledging the tensions and the risks involved.

The United Nations has noted that the terms of the ceasefire have not been met, with both the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers poised to deploy in the south once Israeli forces withdraw. However, indications suggest that Israel may miss the established deadline, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office claimed that compliance by the Lebanese state remains incomplete.

The fragile truce following two months of fighting has led to accusations of violations from both sides, while calls for intervention from international stakeholders continue as the situation in the region remains tense.

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