Israeli Forces Clash with Civilians in Lebanon as Withdrawal Deadline Approaches

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.

At least 15 people have been reported killed and over 80 injured in southern Lebanon following clashes with Israeli forces on Sunday. The violence erupted as protesters, including some carrying Hezbollah flags, gathered to demand Israeli withdrawal from the region in accordance with a ceasefire agreement. This agreement, which ended the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, included a 60-day deadline for Israeli troops to retreat. The fatalities include two women and a Lebanese army soldier, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. The protests spanned across more than a dozen villages near the Israel-Lebanon border, where demonstrators expressed frustration over Israel's continued military presence. The Israeli army stated that it fired warning shots to address perceived threats and claimed that Hezbollah had incited the protests. They stated that their troops would remain in the area until the Lebanese army is able to ensure that Hezbollah does not reestablish itself along the border. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and urged the public to exercise self-restraint. Meanwhile, United Nations representatives have expressed concerns regarding the breach of the ceasefire and called for compliance from both Israel and Lebanon to restore order. As local tensions escalate, around 112,000 Lebanese citizens remain displaced from the recent conflict, adding to the humanitarian challenges faced in the region.

Sheikh Naim Qassem, the leader of Hezbollah, stated on Monday that Israel must withdraw from the occupied border areas in southern Lebanon. In a speech broadcast by Hezbollah's Al Manar television, Qassem firmly rejected the extension of the U.S.-brokered cease-fire agreement, which is currently set to remain in effect until February 18. The cease-fire reached after a war that began in October 2023 was initially agreed to on November 27, with the understanding that Israeli forces would withdraw. However, the Israeli government has maintained its military presence, citing the slow redeployment of the Lebanese Army and the ongoing activities of Hezbollah in restricted areas as justifications for their stance. Lebanon has accused Israel of delaying its troop withdrawal, which has forced thousands of displaced citizens to return to their homes—many of which have been heavily damaged during the conflict. Recent clashes resulted in 26 deaths and 134 injuries among returning residents as Israeli forces opened fire. Qassem called on the international community to pressure Israel into retreating and warned that Hezbollah would feel compelled to take action against what it deems an ongoing occupation. He accused Israel of violating the cease-fire agreement multiple times while asserting that Hezbollah has complied fully with the terms. Lebanon's outgoing Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, clarified the government's position, agreeing to follow the cease-fire terms while urging Israel not to exploit any excuses to delay withdrawal. Meanwhile, negotiations involving Lebanon, Israel, and the United States are set to begin regarding the status of Lebanese prisoners captured during the recent conflict.