Israeli forces remained in southern Lebanon as 60-day deadline for its withdrawal passed on Sunday
At least 15 Lebanese were killed and 83 others injured by Israeli gunfire as people were trying to return to their areas in southern Lebanon on Sunday, according to local media.
The state news agency NNA said that three people were killed in the town of Aitaroun, three in Hula, four in Markaba and two in Mays al-Jabal. One fatality was also reported in al-Adisa, Blida, Kfarkila, and Dahira each.
The broadcaster said the fatalities occurred when Israeli forces opened fire on people trying to return to their areas in southern Lebanon.
The escalation came as the Israeli army remained in the Lebanese territory after a 60-day deadline for its withdrawal from southern Lebanon passed on Sunday.
The Lebanese army, meanwhile, urged civilians to exercise self-restraint and follow the guidance issued by the military to ensure their safety.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also called on the residents of southern Lebanon to "exercise restraint and place their trust in the armed forces.”
“Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, and I am following this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity,” he added in a statement.
Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam expressed “full confidence” in the Lebanese army's ability to protect the country's sovereignty.
“I share the president's full confidence in the Lebanese Armed Forces in safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty and guaranteeing the safe return of our people in the south to their villages and homes,” Salam said during a phone call with President Aoun.
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, for his part, called on the sponsoring countries of the ceasefire agreement “to compel the enemy (Israel) to withdraw from the south.”
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri condemned the killing of civilians by Israeli army fire.
“The blood and wounds of defenseless Lebanese citizens represent an urgent call to the international community and the sponsors of the ceasefire agreement to take immediate action and compel Israel to withdraw from our land,” he said.
The Israeli army, for its part, claimed that it opened fire “to deter and eliminate threats in several areas” in southern Lebanon.
A military statement said that a number of suspects were arrested for interrogation, adding that Israeli forces remain deployed in southern Lebanon and are “operating in accordance with understandings between Israel and Lebanon.”
Separately, Lebanese media reported that army forces were deployed in the town of Dahra in southern Lebanon.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place between Israel and Lebanon since Nov. 27, ending a period of mutual shelling between Israel and Hezbollah that began on Oct. 8, 2023, and escalated into full-scale conflict on Sept. 23, 2024.
Under the ceasefire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line – a de facto border – in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.
Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel's onslaught against Lebanon began Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,068 people have been killed, including women, children and health workers, while 16,670 have been injured.
