Sun Feb 09 16:25:50 UTC 2025: ## Israel Accused of Ceasefire Violations in Southern Lebanon

**BEIRUT, LEBANON –** A November 27th ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah has been severely undermined by continued Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon, sparking international condemnation. Despite the agreement, Israel has maintained a military presence, delaying its promised withdrawal from southern Lebanon beyond the initial January 26th deadline and extending it to February 18th. This ongoing occupation prevents thousands of Lebanese civilians from returning to their homes in border villages.

Israel justifies its continued presence and sporadic bombing campaigns – numbering 330 air strikes and shelling incidents between November 27th and January 10th according to ACLED – by claiming Hezbollah is violating the ceasefire terms. However, while Hezbollah has largely refrained from attacks, with only one recorded incident since the ceasefire began, Israel’s actions are viewed by Lebanon and international observers as a breach of the agreement.

The conflict, which began in October 2023 after Hezbollah launched strikes in solidarity with Hamas, has resulted in approximately 4,000 Lebanese deaths since October. While the intensity of the Israeli attacks has decreased since the ceasefire, the continued bombing, including some incidents north of the Litani River (a designated Hezbollah withdrawal line), remains a major point of contention.

Lebanese officials have filed a complaint with the United Nations, and France, a broker of the original agreement alongside the US, has urged Israel to comply with the terms. However, the lack of enforcement mechanisms and apparent US support for Israel’s actions have left the ceasefire fragile.

Hezbollah, weakened by the recent conflict and the loss of key leadership, has so far displayed restraint, choosing to call on the Lebanese state to address the violations through diplomatic pressure rather than escalating the conflict. The future of the ceasefire remains uncertain, with the possibility of renewed hostilities depending heavily on Israel’s actions and the international community’s response.

Read More