Southern Lebanon sees renewed violence despite ceasefire deal

Hezbollah and Lebanese army accuse Israel of violations as curfews and airstrikes grip southern Lebanon

BEIRUT:

The Israeli military reported that its air force conducted a strike on a Hezbollah facility in southern Lebanon on Thursday, claiming the site was used to store mid-range rockets.

This followed mutual accusations of ceasefire violations between Israel and Hezbollah, a truce designed to end over a year of conflict.

Israel also stated it fired on "suspects" in vehicles arriving in areas within the southern zone, alleging these actions breached the ceasefire established on Wednesday with Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah accused Israel of breaking the agreement, alleging attacks on civilians returning to border villages. The Lebanese army also reported Israeli violations of the ceasefire on both Wednesday and Thursday.

These exchanges underscore the fragility of the truce, brokered by the US and France, which aims for a permanent end to hostilities through a 60-day agreement.

The Israeli airstrike near Baysariyah, north of the Litani River, was the first such attack since the ceasefire began. The agreement mandates dismantling military facilities south of the Litani but does not apply to those north of the river.

On the same day, Israeli tank fire targeted five towns and agricultural areas in southern Lebanon, injuring at least two people. These areas, located within 2 km of the Blue Line marking the border, fall under an Israeli-declared no-go zone.

The Israeli military stated it detected suspicious activities violating the ceasefire and vowed to respond forcefully to any breaches. Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi warned that any deviation from the truce would prompt military action.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later reiterated this stance, instructing the military to prepare for significant conflict if the ceasefire fails.

Displaced Lebanese families attempting to return to their border homes encountered challenges as Israeli forces remained stationed in some towns. Surveillance drones were also observed operating over southern Lebanon. Additionally, a curfew restricting movement south of the Litani River was reimposed by Israel.

The ceasefire marks a significant diplomatic effort in a conflict-ridden region, ending the most intense clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in recent years.

However, the broader regional conflict persists, with Israel continuing its campaign against Hamas in Gaza following the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.

Since October 2023, Israeli strikes on Lebanon have caused over 3,900 fatalities and more than 16,500 injuries, according to Lebanese health authorities, while Hezbollah attacks have killed 45 civilians in Israel and the Golan Heights.

Additionally, 73 Israeli soldiers have died in northern Israel, the Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon.

Under the truce, Israeli forces have 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, and neither side is permitted to carry out offensive operations.

However, displaced Israelis in northern regions remain unable to return due to ongoing tensions, while Hezbollah vows to remain vigilant, prepared to respond to any perceived threats during Israel’s withdrawal.

The ceasefire coincides with ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, where airstrikes killed at least 21 Palestinians on Thursday amid intensified bombardments and ground advances by Israeli forces in northern and southern areas of the enclave.