Israeli tanks fired on six areas in southern Lebanon on Thursday, violating a ceasefire with Hezbollah that had been brokered by the US and France. The Israeli military said the ceasefire was breached after suspects arrived in vehicles in the southern zone. The rounds hit towns within two kilometers of the border between Lebanon and Israel, injuring two people. Lebanese families displaced from their homes have tried to return, but Israeli troops remain stationed within Lebanese territory.
Hezbollah has declared “victory” without directly acknowledging the ceasefire. They stated that their fighters remain prepared to deal with the Israeli enemy and will monitor Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on Wednesday, represents a significant development in the 14-month-long conflict.
The UN Secretary-General has called the ceasefire a “ray of hope” in the regional conflict and urged both sides to respect the commitment. Doubts remain over the ceasefire’s sustainability, with Hezbollah supporters celebrating the group’s survival, while Israel faces criticism from right-wingers and residents of the north. The French government claims that Netanyahu has immunity from ICC arrest warrants for war crimes, as Israel is not an ICC member.
The ceasefire followed heavy Israeli strikes on Beirut, resulting in at least 42 casualties. In Gaza, the death toll reached over 44,000, with an additional 104,880 injured. An Egyptian security delegation is expected to travel to Israel to discuss a Gaza ceasefire deal, while the US will renew efforts for a ceasefire. The Biden administration is moving ahead with a $680m arms sales package to Israel, including thousands of JDAM kits and small-diameter bombs.
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