Israel accused of more ceasefire violations in Lebanon

Israel continued its military campaign in southern Lebanon on Wednesday with what have been described as “new violations” of the ceasefire agreement, Anadolu has reported. According to statistics compiled by the agency based on reports from the Lebanese National News Agency, this brings the total number of ceasefire violations by the occupation state to 855 since it came into effect on 27 November last year.

Israeli occupation forces set fire to several homes in the town of Rab Thalatheen located in the Marjayoun District of Nabatieh Governorate. Meanwhile, in Yaroun, a town in Bint Jbeil District, the Israeli army carried out systematic demolitions targeting numerous houses. In Kfar Kila, also in Marjayoun District, the Israelis conducted what was described as a “major demolition operation” in the town, although the news agency provided no further details.

Earlier on Wednesday, the agency reported that the Lebanese army had completed its deployment and was clearing debris and reopening roads in the border town of Aita Al-Shaab in Sour District.

The November ceasefire agreement ended the exchange of fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, which began on 8 October 2023 and escalated into a full-scale war on 23 September last year. The agreement stipulated that Israel had 60 days to withdraw from the towns it had occupied in southern Lebanon during the conflict. However, Tel Aviv violated the agreement by failing to complete the withdrawal within the specified timeframe, which expired on 26 January. The White House later announced an Israeli-Lebanese agreement to extend the deadline until 18 February.

To date, Israeli violations of the ceasefire have resulted in 67 Lebanese being killed, with 263 wounded. Overall, the Israeli assault on Lebanon has killed 4,098 people and wounded 16,888, including a large number of women and children. The violence has also displaced approximately 1.4 million people, with most casualties and displacements occurring after the escalation of hostilities on 23 September.

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