Israeli troops opened fire on residents of southern Lebanon on Sunday, resulting in two deaths and 32 injuries, as hundreds of people attempted to return to their homes ahead of the deadline for Israeli forces to withdraw from the area.
The ceasefire agreement that ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which started in October 2023, required Israeli forces to withdraw by Sunday, January 26.
However, Israel was expected to miss the deadline, with the Lebanese army tasked with deploying alongside UN peacekeepers in the south as part of the agreement once Israel withdraws, a condition the Israelis have violated by not withdrawing.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the Israeli forces fired at citizens trying to return to their villages in the border towns of Houla and Kfar Kila.
Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee had earlier warned residents of over 60 villages in southern Lebanon, including Kfar Kila and Houla, not to return to their homes.
The delay in the withdrawal process has triggered criticism from world leaders and Lebanon, with local officials blaming Israel for the setback.
Israeli officials, however, argued that the withdrawal was contingent upon the full deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of Hezbollah forces.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasised the need for Israel to adhere to the ceasefire terms, particularly to ensure the safe return of displaced residents.
Hezbollah, which has had ongoing conflicts with Israeli forces, accused Israel of using the missed deadline as an excuse for a “scorched earth” policy aimed at preventing the return of displaced Lebanese citizens.
Despite this, the group refrained from directly threatening to resume attacks, urging the Lebanese state to use all necessary measures to restore sovereignty over its land.
