Violence Escalates in Lebanon-Israel Border
Israeli forces opened fire toward residents of southern Lebanon for a second straight day on Monday as people pressed on with attempts to return to their homes along the border, a day after at least two dozen people were killed and scores injured in Israeli attacks, Lebanese officials said.
Deadliest Violence Since 2006 War
The Israeli fire on Sunday was the deadliest bout of violence in Lebanon since the war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia, ended with a truce in November. At least two people were injured in the renewed violence on Monday, including a child, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Redeployment and Calls for Restraint
The Israeli military said on Monday that it had redeployed in areas of southern Lebanon, and repeated calls for Lebanese residents to wait for their approval before returning home. The Lebanese military had sent reinforcements to parts of southern Lebanon earlier in the day, preparing to enter some towns and safeguard civilians, Lebanon’s state-run news agency reported.
Bloodshed and Diplomatic Efforts
Israeli forces killed at least 24 people and injured over 134 others on Sunday, Lebanese officials said, after thousands of Lebanese marched to southern towns and villages. Those areas remain occupied by Israel past a 60-day deadline for its withdrawal under the November cease-fire agreement, which called for both Israel and Hezbollah forces to leave southern Lebanon and for the Lebanese Army and U.N. peacekeepers to deploy in force there.
U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire Extended
Negotiators had hoped that the U.S.-brokered cease-fire by now would have given way for a more permanent settlement. But as the 60-day deadline elapsed on Sunday, the White House issued a statement stating that the initial agreement would be extended until Feb. 18. The Lebanese prime minister’s office confirmed the extension, which they said followed discussions with U.S. officials. The flurry of diplomatic activity appeared designed to buy time and stave off further bouts of violence.
Consequences and Fears
The bloodshed on Sunday sparked urgent calls for restraint by the U.N. amid growing fears of a sustained Israeli occupation and renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Hezbollah, however, stopped short of their characteristic calls for revenge in the wake of the killings.
Battered by the deadliest war with Israel in decades, experts say the group has little impetus to reignite a conflict that would only weaken the group further as it attempts to recover. Instead, Hezbollah called on the international community in a statement to “assume its responsibilities” and pressure Israel to “withdraw completely from our lands.”
Conclusion
The violence in the Lebanon-Israel border has escalated, with Israeli forces opening fire on residents of southern Lebanon for the second straight day. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least two dozen people and scores of injuries. Diplomatic efforts are underway to extend the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and prevent further violence.
FAQs
Q: What was the deadliest bout of violence in Lebanon since the war between Israel and Hezbollah ended?
A: The Israeli fire on Sunday was the deadliest bout of violence in Lebanon since the war between Israel and Hezbollah ended with a truce in November.
Q: How many people were killed and injured in Israeli attacks on Sunday?
A: At least 24 people were killed and over 134 others were injured in Israeli attacks on Sunday.
Q: What was the outcome of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement?
A: The agreement was extended until Feb. 18, with the aim of buying time and staving off further violence.
Q: What is the position of Hezbollah in the conflict?
A: Hezbollah has stopped short of their characteristic calls for revenge in the wake of the killings, and instead called on the international community to pressure Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.