Israeli forces kill at least 22 people as they attempt to return to their homes in southern Lebanon
Lebanon denied reports that Israel had informed it of a decision to keep its forces at five border points for an additional 15 days beyond the Sunday deadline set out in a US-brokered ceasefire.
"The information circulated by some media outlets claiming that the Israeli enemy informed Lebanon that it will remain at five border points for 15 days is false,” said a statement issued by the Lebanese presidency's media office.
President Joseph Aoun informed the ceasefire monitoring committee of his rejection of this matter, the statement added.
"President Aoun continues his internal and external communications with the parties concerned with the ceasefire agreement to ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the remaining occupied southern villages," it added.
Earlier in the day, the Lebanese army announced its support for the residents of border towns in southern Lebanon in their confrontation with the Israeli army.
At least 22 people were killed and 124 injured by Israeli forces Sunday as displaced civilians attempted to return to their homes in southern Lebanon, according to local authorities.
Tension has escalated as the Israeli army remained in the Lebanese territory after a 60-day deadline for its withdrawal from southern Lebanon passed Sunday.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place between Israel and Lebanon since Nov. 27, ending a period of mutual shelling between Israel and the Hezbollah group that began on Oct. 8, 2023 and escalated into a full-scale conflict on Sept. 23, 2024.
Under the ceasefire terms, Israel was required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line – a de facto border – in phases, while the Lebanese army was to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.
Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel's onslaught against Lebanon began on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,068 people have been killed, including women, children and health workers, while 16,670 have been injured.
