15 Fatalities in Lebanon as Israeli Troops Stay Past Withdrawal Deadline
Israeli forces reportedly caused the deaths of 15 individuals and wounded over 80 during protests in southern Lebanon on Sunday, according to Lebanese officials.
Among those deceased were two women and a member of the Lebanese army, stated the health ministry.
Protesters, some brandishing Hezbollah banners, attempted to enter various towns, demonstrating against Israel's non-compliance with a deadline to retreat from southern Lebanon as agreed in the ceasefire that ended last year's conflict.
Despite the ceasefire deadline, Israel announced it would maintain its southern military presence because the Lebanese forces have not yet fully mobilized to prevent Hezbollah's resurgence. Conversely, Lebanon's American-supported military cited its inability to deploy until Israeli forces leave, blaming Israel for delaying its exit.
The Israeli military accused Hezbollah of provoking the Sunday demonstrations.
They issued a statement noting that troops employed warning shots to deter perceived threats near their positions. A number of individuals approaching the Israeli troops were detained for questioning.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's untarnished sovereignty and territorial rights, expressing his commitment to resolving the issue at the highest levels to defend citizens' dignity and rights.
President Aoun called for residents to rely on the Lebanese Armed Forces and to exercise patience. The army assured that it would usher civilians to safety in the border towns and urged residents to adhere to military guidelines.
Nabih Berri, the Parliament Speaker allied with Hezbollah, and a negotiator during the ceasefire, stated that the loss of lives calls for a pressing international intervention to ensure Israel's withdrawal.
Avichay Adraee, an Israeli military spokesperson, accused Hezbollah of sending provocateurs, aiming to distract from its predicament in Lebanon and the Arab world.
He advised those living near the frontier to avoid returning to their towns to escape danger.
The IDF stressed that they do not intend harm to civilians but warned against approaching military zones.
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN's Lebanon coordinator, alongside UNIFIL’s head, highlighted the failure to meet the ceasefire timelines, which has delayed the safe repatriation of citizens.
They warned that ongoing violence could amplify insecurity and erode the fragile post-conflict stability.
They called for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, the containment of unauthorized military assets south of the Litani River, the comprehensive redeployment of Lebanon's army, and the secure return of displaced people.
On the other side of the border, Orna Weinberg in the kibbutz of Manara lamented the hardships shared by both sides of the fence, observing the grim reality of ongoing conflict.
The war resulted in some 112,000 Lebanese still displaced, among the over one million who fled during the conflict.
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