Israeli forces in southern Lebanon opened fire on protesters on Sunday, killing 22 people and injuring 124, according to the latest update from Lebanese health officials provided to AP. The protests erupted as demonstrators, some waving Hezbollah flags, called for Israel to adhere to the original withdrawal deadline outlined in a ceasefire agreement.
Deadline extension
The White House announced on Sunday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to push the deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal to February 18, 2025. This development comes after Israel requested more time instead of the 60-day deadline which has been stated in the ceasefire agreement that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war in November. Israel stated that its forces would stay until the Lebanese army fully deployed to stop Hezabollah’s resurgence. However, the Lebanese army stands firm that it cannot mobilize until the Israeli forces leave.
The agreement arranged by the United States also includes means for future negotiations on the condition of the return of the Lebanese prisoners held after October 7, 2023. The confirmation regarding the extension of the agreement has been made by Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati while Israel has not responded officially.
Sunday’s protest turned intense as demonstrators tried to enter several villages along the border. Among the seven casualties, six were women and one was a Lebanese army soldier.
The Israeli army claimed that it fired warning shots to remove the threats near its troops and blamed Hezbollah for starting the unrest. In response to the violent bloodshed, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun restated the country’s commitment to sovereignty and appealed for restraint. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, has asked international intervention to force Israel’s withdrawal. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army has urged civilians to cooperate by following military directives for their safety.
This development comes as tensions continue to be high in Gaza, as Israel is stopping displaced Palestinians from returning to northeastern areas and blaming Hamas for breaking the ceasefire.