Israeli occupation forces (IOF) set several homes on fire in the Southern Lebanese towns of Houla and Mays al-Jabal, adding yet another violation of the ceasefire agreement brokered with Lebanon to its archive. 

One of the core requirements of the ceasefire agreement between "Israel" and Lebanon, which took effect on November 27, 2024, was the cessation of all hostilities following a period of 60 days. Therefore, the Israeli occupation was supposed to withdraw its forces by January 26, 2025. 

However, the period was prolonged until February 18. "Israel" has maintained its occupation of South Lebanon and attacks on Lebanon's southern and eastern towns, violating the ceasefire deal and UN Resolution 1701. 

Currently, the occupation insists on remaining in five positions across South Lebanon, claiming it gained approval from the US administration, one of the participating entities in the monitoring committee responsible for overlooking the ceasefire process. 

The Israeli occupation has also rejected a French plan to expedite the withdrawal of its forces from Lebanon, according to a report by the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post on Friday.

The report stated that the Israeli regime turned down the French proposal to have United Nations peacekeeping forces, including French troops, take control of the five key locations in southern Lebanon to ensure Israeli forces withdraw by the February 18 deadline. 

On Thursday, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reaffirmed that Lebanon would not accept an Israeli presence in these five locations and categorically rejected any extension of the withdrawal deadline.

Read more: Israeli military says it will stay in Lebanon after ceasefire extended