Lebanon Claims Israel Is Intensifying Attacks and Violating Truce
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Synopsis
Lebanon has accused Israel of escalating military actions, particularly around the Litani River, leading to casualties and destruction. The Lebanese army reported ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, with military operations and airstrikes continuing despite international calls for restraint.
Key Takeaways
- Lebanon accuses Israel of escalating attacks.
- Israeli forces remain in key locations within Lebanon.
- Lebanese army condemns Israeli violations of UN Resolution 1701.
- Ceasefire agreement established in November 2024.
- Hezbollah has adhered to the ceasefire, while Israel has breached it.
Beirut, March 24 (NationPress) Lebanon has charged Israel with intensifying attacks under various justifications, especially in the northern and southern regions of the Litani River, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction.
The Israeli forces have not ceased their airstrikes. This morning, engineering and military vehicles crossed the technical fence and executed excavation activities in Wadi Qatmoun, adjacent to the outskirts of Rmeish village in southern Lebanon, according to a statement from the Lebanese army's Directorate of Guidance.
The army further observed the persistent presence of Israeli troops within Lebanese territory, condemning it as a blatant violation of UN Resolution 1701 and the existing ceasefire agreement.
On the same day, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated that Israel continues to occupy strategic positions within Lebanon and obstructs the deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In an interview with the local publication Asharq Al-Awsat, Berri reaffirmed Lebanon's adherence to the ceasefire agreement established last November, which is endorsed by the UN, the international community, and Arab nations, while accusing Israel of impeding its implementation and attempting to bypass it.
Berri emphasized that Hezbollah has honored the ceasefire agreement, withdrawn from south of the Litani River, and refrained from military actions for months, even in light of repeated Israeli violations, which have extended deep into eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley and the Lebanese-Syrian border.
Since November 27, 2024, a ceasefire mediated by the US and France between the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Israel has been effective, concluding over a year of conflict sparked by the war in the Gaza Strip.
Despite the agreement mandating Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory, Israeli forces have retained positions at five crucial sites along the border, exceeding the February 18 deadline.
The Israeli military has continued to conduct sporadic strikes in Lebanon, with the most recent occurring on Saturday, which, according to Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and injuries to 40 others.
The military has consistently asserted that these assaults are intended to eliminate threats posed by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah’s latest rocket launches mark the first since the ceasefire, while Israel has repeatedly transgressed the agreement, following a familiar pattern from Gaza.
As per the ceasefire agreement, Israel was supposed to withdraw from the occupied regions of Lebanon by January; however, the Israeli Occupation Forces remain in five locations within Lebanon and have executed numerous deadly strikes, targeting civilians under the pretext of aiming at Hezbollah.
