'Israel' use of force against Lebanese civilians hinders return: UN
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The Israeli occupation forces' aggression in southern Lebanon is jeopardizing civilians and hindering their return efforts, as well as humanitarian aid and recovery efforts.
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A Lebanese soldier filming as Israeli occupation forces block a road in the southern Lebanese village of Aitaroun, Lebanon, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 (AP)
As Lebanon approaches the conclusion of the 60-day cessation of hostilities on 26 January 2025, Israeli military activities in the country's south continue to affect civilians, disrupt humanitarian efforts, and hinder recovery and return operations, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday.
The Israeli occupation forces have withdrawn from certain villages but continue military operations, including artillery fire, airstrikes, and the demolition of homes and civilian infrastructure in border areas. Detentions of farmers and civilian casualties have also been reported. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), at least 30 civilian casualties have been recorded since the ceasefire began on 27 November 2024. Over 70 villages in southern Lebanon remain inaccessible due to Israeli-imposed restrictions.
As of 23 January 2025, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 112,076 people remain displaced within Lebanon, with the majority originating from five districts:
- Bint Jbeil: 40%
- Sour (Tyre): 22%
- Nabatieh: 11%
- Marjaayoun: 10%
- Baabda (Beirut Southern Suburbs): 6%
While 874,949 individuals have returned to their homes, ongoing hostilities and restrictions impede further returns and recovery efforts.
The humanitarian crisis is compounded by increasing food insecurity, with 1.65 million people in Lebanon facing IPC phase 3+ conditions—a 31% rise compared to the previous assessment. Alarmingly, the number of individuals experiencing emergency levels of food insecurity (IPC phase 4) has doubled, reaching 201,000.
During a recent visit to Lebanon, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the war's profound impact on civilians and reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to intensifying recovery and reconstruction efforts. Guterres emphasized the need for sustained peace to enable the safe return of displaced populations and the restoration of stability in affected areas.
This comes as thousands of Southerners gathered at the entrances of their villages, preparing to enter after the 60-day deadline expired.
Israeli media outraged
The Israeli TV channel Kan expressed deep dismay, highlighting the alarming sight of Lebanese civilians approaching an Israeli tank at point-blank range in the town of Maroun al-Ras, situated on the Lebanese border with occupied Palestine. An Israeli officer in Southern Lebanon described this as "a zero-distance confrontation between Israeli soldiers and Lebanese civilians," condemning the situation as "unacceptable."
Israeli media has raised concerns over the fact that Israeli settlers have not returned to settlements along the Lebanese border, starkly contrasting with the determination of the Lebanese people. As they return to their homes, the Lebanese are crafting a powerful narrative of resilience and defiance, transforming their return into a symbolic morale victory against oppression. Despite facing continuous threats and violations, their unwavering commitment to reclaiming their land and dignity serves as a testament to their strength and resolve.
These developments unfolded as the 60-day deadline for the full Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territories, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, expired today, Sunday.
Despite the failure to adhere to the withdrawal and ongoing violations in southern villages, "Israel"—under US backing—confirmed through Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office that its forces would not fully withdraw from southern Lebanon after the expiration of the deadline.
Hezbollah responded late Thursday, declaring that "any violation of the 60-day deadline is a blatant breach of the agreement and an escalation of the assault on Lebanese sovereignty." The Resistance movement emphasized that the Israeli occupation had entered a new phase that should be confronted by the Lebanese state using all available methods guaranteed by international law to reclaim and liberate the land.
