Sun Jan 26 21:10:06 IST 2025: ## Israeli Forces Open Fire on Returning Lebanese Civilians, Killing 15 on Ceasefire Deadline
**BEIRUT, Lebanon** – At least 15 Lebanese civilians were killed and 83 wounded Sunday as Israeli forces opened fire on residents attempting to return to their homes in southern Lebanon, marking a violent end to a 60-day ceasefire. The incident occurred on the day Israeli troops were scheduled to withdraw under the terms of the November agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health condemned the attack as a clear violation of the ceasefire. Israel’s failure to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon by the Sunday deadline has fueled tensions, with both sides trading accusations of non-compliance.
While Israel claimed Hezbollah had not sufficiently withdrawn from the border and that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were too slow to deploy, Lebanon denied these claims and urged Israel to respect the agreement. The UN has also called for both sides to adhere to the ceasefire terms. A UN source previously revealed that while Israeli forces had withdrawn from parts of western and central southern Lebanon, they were preparing to maintain positions in the east.
Reports indicate that Israel has undertaken hundreds of ceasefire violations since November, including ground incursions, aerial attacks, and the demolition of numerous civilian homes in approximately 4.5 square kilometers of land. These actions, according to various sources, including Al Jazeera, Anadolu Agency and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, have significantly exceeded the terms of the agreement.
Despite the ceasefire bringing a reduction in daily attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel would retain certain positions in southeastern Lebanon. This decision, and Sunday’s deadly attack, has been met with international condemnation. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Israel to fully comply with the agreement, a sentiment echoed by the UN. Lebanese leaders have called for international pressure on Israel and expressed confidence in the LAF’s ability to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty. Hezbollah, while not issuing a public statement, has seen some of its supporters praise the civilians who attempted to return to their villages.
The situation remains highly volatile, with thousands of Lebanese displaced and the future of the ceasefire uncertain. The incident raises serious questions about the viability of the agreement and the potential for further escalation in the region.
First Piper 