Israeli Fire Kills 2, Wounds 32 as Lebanon Withdrawal Deadline Passes

The withdrawal was part of a ceasefire agreement reached two months ago to end the war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The agreement, which began on November 27, set a 60-day deadline for Israeli forces to retreat from southern Lebanon, allowing the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers to take control. However, Israel was expected to miss the Sunday deadline.

Lebanon's health ministry reported that Israeli forces fired on citizens in at least two border towns, Houla and Kfar Kila, as they attempted to return to their villages. Earlier, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that several people in Kfar Kila were wounded when they crossed a barrier set up by Israeli forces.

Despite military warnings, including a message from Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee advising residents in over 60 southern villages, including Kfar Kila and Houla, not to return, convoys of vehicles were seen attempting to make their way back to their homes. In Kfar Kila, crowds gathered, some waving Hezbollah flags, near a Lebanese security checkpoint.

On Saturday, the Lebanese army blamed the delay in the withdrawal on Israeli "procrastination" and noted that while Israeli forces had vacated coastal areas, they remained in eastern parts of the region.

The ceasefire also mandated that Hezbollah withdraw its forces north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the border, and dismantle its remaining infrastructure. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the withdrawal would extend beyond the deadline due to non-compliance by the Lebanese government and Hezbollah’s continued presence in the region.

The Lebanese army responded, saying it would continue its deployment once Israeli forces fully withdrew. Meanwhile, Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayad accused Israel of using the delay as a cover for a "scorched earth" policy in the border regions, making it impossible for displaced residents to return.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, called on Israel to adhere to the agreement and end its "successive violations" in the region, including the destruction of villages. The fragile ceasefire has largely held, though both sides have accused each other of violations.

The November ceasefire had brought an end to two months of full-scale conflict that escalated following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The ceasefire deal set the framework for the withdrawal, but tensions remain high as both sides continue to trade accusations of violations.