11 Lives Lost, 83 Injured in Israeli Fire in Lebanon

Synopsis

On January 26, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported that Israeli gunfire has resulted in 11 deaths and 83 injuries among Lebanese civilians returning to their homes in southern Lebanon. UN officials emphasize the lack of safe conditions for return, as President Aoun calls for calm and trust in the armed forces amidst ongoing tensions.

Key Takeaways

11 civilians dead due to Israeli gunfire.
83 individuals injured in the incident.
UN officials warn against returning to villages.
Lebanese President urges restraint and trust in military.
Ceasefire agreement still sees ongoing Israeli strikes.

Beirut, Jan 26 (NationPress) The number of fatalities resulting from Israeli gunfire aimed at groups of Lebanese attempting to return to their homes in southern Lebanon has increased to 11, with 83 others sustaining injuries, as reported by the Lebanese Health Ministry on Sunday.

Out of the eleven deceased, ten were civilians endeavoring to return to their still-occupied hometowns near Lebanon's southern border with Israel, while the other was a soldier killed in al-Dhahira, also in southern Lebanon, according to Xinhua news agency.

“Conditions are not yet suitable for the secure return of citizens to their villages along the Blue Line,” stated Chief of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, alongside United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, in a joint declaration following the incident.

“Displaced communities, already on a long path to recovery and reconstruction, are thus once more being urged to proceed with caution.”

In the meantime, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called for residents of southern Lebanon on Sunday to practice restraint and place their trust in the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain security and sovereignty.

“This day symbolizes a victory for justice, sovereignty, and national unity,” he expressed in a statement issued by Lebanon's Presidency, urging citizens to maintain their composure and depend on the military for their safe return to their homes and towns.

Sunday marks the conclusion of a 60-day deadline for Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territories. According to a ceasefire agreement established in late November following extensive conflict between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, the Lebanese army would assume control over areas south of the Litani River, ensuring security and preventing any presence of weapons and militants.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army has persisted in conducting strikes within Lebanon, some of which have resulted in fatalities and injuries in border regions.