BEIRUT (AP) — On February 16, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in the village of Houla in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on a group of residents trying to return home, resulting in the death of one woman and injuring multiple others. This violent occurrence comes as tensions ramp up just two days before a crucial deadline for the enforcement of a ceasefire agreement that had been established to conclude the latest hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in late November.
The ceasefire, originally set to be implemented by late January, was extended until February 18, 2025, following an agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Tensions flared just hours before this agreement on January 27, when hundreds of protesters attempted to access territories still occupied by Israeli forces to demand their withdrawal. During these protests, Israeli forces opened fire in several areas, leading to the deaths of over 20 individuals. The Israeli military claimed that Hezbollah had instigated the unrest by sending "rioters."
Adding to the unrest, on the same day as the shooting incident in Houla, an Israeli airstrike targeted a bulldozer that was attempting to clear roads obstructed by Israeli military presence near the village of Marwahin. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from the airstrike. In counteraction, the Lebanese army, which has recently taken control of areas from which Israeli forces have retreated, issued warnings to citizens advising against entering regions lacking a Lebanese military presence.
The uncertainty regarding Israel’s complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon remains significant as the deadline approached. Internal strife within Lebanon has escalated in recent days, particularly following the government’s decision to rescind permission for an Iranian aircraft scheduled to fly from Tehran to Beirut. This decision stranded numerous Lebanese passengers and was deemed necessary after Israel accused Iran of facilitating cash transfers to Hezbollah through civilian flights. Israeli authorities declared that they would "use all available means" to prevent such actions.
In addition to these developments, on February 14, 2025, the outgoing deputy commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon was injured during protests that turned violent as demonstrators targeted a convoy transporting peacekeepers to the Beirut airport.
The various events underscore the precarious security situation in Lebanon and the continued volatility of the region. The ongoing confrontations and military operations not only threaten the ceasefire but also complicate the humanitarian landscape for civilians caught in the midst of these hostilities.
