Two people were killed and 17 others injured on Monday during protests against the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese health officials. This marks the second day of demonstrations, following Sunday’s protests that left 24 dead and over 130 wounded.
The unrest erupted as residents, displaced by the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, attempted to return to their villages. Protesters reportedly waved Hezbollah flags, prompting Israeli forces to respond with gunfire. The IDF blamed Hezbollah for instigating the clashes, describing them as “provocations.”
Lebanese Christian politician Samir Geagea criticized Hezbollah, accusing the group of recklessly encouraging civilians to return to areas still under Israeli military control, leading to “pointless deaths.”
Under a US-brokered ceasefire reached on November 27, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, while Hezbollah was to retreat north of the Litani River. However, the withdrawal deadline was extended to February 18, citing delays in the Lebanese army’s deployment in certain areas.
Hezbollah’s chief, Naim Qassem, condemned the extension in a pre-recorded speech, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement over 1,300 times. He stated that the “resistance” reserves the right to act against what it views as an occupation, although Lebanese authorities advised against retaliation to avoid further escalation.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to strictly enforce the ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, warning that any threats to IDF troops would face severe consequences.
UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese army have taken positions in some areas vacated by the IDF, but the Israeli military remains in over a dozen towns, citing security concerns. The delay has heightened tensions in the region, with both sides trading accusations over the ceasefire’s terms and implementation.