Israel occupation forces advance towards Lebanese town despite ceasefire

The Israel occupation forces carried out an incursion of the town of Beit Lif in southern Lebanon today, in the latest violation of a ceasefire deal, Anadolu has reported, citing Lebanese media.

According to the state news agency NNA, an Israeli patrol backed by tanks and a bulldozer moved towards the outskirts of the town in Bint Jbeil district. It was the first time that Israeli forces had advanced towards the town since the ceasefire deal with Lebanon came into force on 27 November.

The latest breach brought the number of Israeli violations of the ceasefire to 336, according to an Anadolu tally based on figures released by the Lebanese authorities.

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line — the de facto border with the occupation state — 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 with cross-border exchanges of fire with Hezbollah in October 2023, at least 4,063 Lebanese citizens have been killed, including women, children and health workers, while 16,664 others have been wounded.

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