MAYS AL-JABAL, Lebanon – On Sunday, at least three individuals were killed and over 40 others were injured in southern Lebanon due to gunfire from Israeli forces aimed at protesters who had crossed the roadblocks established by the Israeli army a day prior, according to reports from Lebanon’s health ministry.
The protests erupted as demonstrators, some waving Hezbollah flags, sought to enter several villages along the border. They were voicing their discontent over Israel's non-compliance with the 60-day withdrawal deadline outlined in a ceasefire agreement that brought an end to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in late November.
Israel has justified its extended military presence by citing the lack of deployment of the Lebanese army across all areas of southern Lebanon, which it says is necessary to prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing a military foothold in the region. Conversely, the Lebanese army has stated that it is unable to deploy until Israeli forces complete their withdrawal.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed the residents of southern Lebanon, emphasizing that “Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.” He assured that he was closely overseeing the situation “at the highest levels” to protect the rights and dignities of the citizens. Aoun also urged the population to “exercise self-restraint” and to trust the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The Lebanese army released a statement indicating its efforts to guide civilians safely into certain towns within the border region and implored residents to comply with military instructions for their safety.
Nabih Berri, the Speaker of Parliament and leader of the Amal Movement party—an ally of Hezbollah—characterized the violence as a “clear and urgent call for the international community to act immediately” to compel Israel to withdraw from what he termed occupied Lebanese territories.
Detailed information from Lebanon's Health Ministry indicated that one protester was killed and ten others were injured in the border village of Houla. Another individual died in the village of Aitaroun, where eleven additional people were hurt. The third fatality occurred in Blida, resulting in one more injury. Other areas that reported injuries included Mays al-Jabal, Markaba, Bani Hayyan, Odaisseh, Rab Thalatin, and Kfar Kila.
There was no immediate response from the Israeli military regarding the protests. However, Israel’s army spokesperson, speaking in Arabic, urged residents of the border area not to attempt returning to their villages.
An Associated Press team, accompanying a United Nations peacekeeping patrol known as UNIFIL, found themselves stranded overnight due to the roadblocks put in place by the Israeli army. Reporters at the base, located near Mays al-Jabal, stated that they heard gunfire and explosions early Sunday morning, while peacekeeping forces noted that a significant number of protesters had gathered in close proximity.
