Israeli forces opened fire on Lebanese civilians attempting to return to their homes, 15 people were killed and 83 others injured

At least 15 people were killed and 83 others injured in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces opened fire on civilians attempting to return to their homes, the Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed. The violence erupted as residents of border villages disregarded Israeli military warnings prohibiting their return.

The clashes follow the expiration of a withdrawal deadline set in a November ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which required both sides to pull back their forces from southern Lebanon by January 26, 2025.

Israel Refuses Full Withdrawal, Blames Lebanon for Delay

Despite the agreed timeline, Israel announced on Friday that it would not complete its withdrawal, citing Lebanon’s failure to uphold its commitments under the truce. In response, the Lebanese army accused Israel of deliberately stalling, describing the move as “procrastination.”

The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health condemned Sunday’s attack, reporting that Israeli forces fired at Lebanese citizens attempting to return to towns that remain under Israeli military occupation.

Tensions Rise as Residents Push to Return Home

Verified video footage showed villagers in Kfar Kila, southern Lebanon, making their way home on foot, with some carrying Hezbollah flags and others holding pictures of fighters killed in the recent conflict.

Shortly before the violence escalated, Israel’s military issued a renewed warning, urging civilians to stay away from the region.

The message included a map marking over 60 villages near the Israeli border as restricted zones, warning that anyone moving south would be putting their lives at risk.

Israeli Military Claims Threats from Civilians

In a statement, the IDF justified its actions, saying troops in southern Lebanon “fired warning shots to remove threats” and had apprehended multiple suspects who allegedly posed an imminent danger to Israeli forces.

Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed to defend the country’s sovereignty.

“Lebanon’s territorial integrity is not up for negotiation. I assure the residents of the south that your rights and dignity will be protected,” Aoun stated.

UN Urges Both Sides to Recommit to Ceasefire

As tensions mount, the United Nations has called for both Israel and Hezbollah to uphold their withdrawal commitments, emphasizing the need to prevent further violence. UN peacekeeping forces are now being deployed to border areas at the request of the Lebanese army to monitor the situation.

The situation remains volatile as Lebanon and Israel face increasing international pressure to honor the ceasefire agreement and avoid a resurgence of large-scale conflict in the region.