BEIRUT — Israeli forces launched an airstrike on a southern Lebanese village on Sunday, violating a recent US-brokered ceasefire agreement. The attack on Yaroun came just days after the truce went into effect, raising tensions in the region.
While there were no immediate reports of casualties, the Israeli military has yet to comment on the incident. Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has also remained silent.
Israel continues to maintain control over certain border areas, restricting the movement of Lebanese civilians and imposing a daily curfew. The Israeli government has urged displaced Lebanese to refrain from returning to their homes in these areas.
Lebanese officials, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, have condemned the Israeli actions as a breach of the ceasefire agreement. The Lebanese military has filed complaints but has not taken any significant military action in response.
To oversee the implementation of the ceasefire, a US-led monitoring committee has been established, co-chaired by Major General Jasper Jeffers and US envoy Amos Hochstein. The committee aims to ensure compliance and facilitate a lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Lebanon grapples with the devastating aftermath of the recent war. The conflict has caused widespread destruction, displacing millions of people and inflicting billions of dollars in damages. The Lebanese military is working to clear unexploded ordnance and recover the remains of victims.
The first phase of the ceasefire calls for the withdrawal of Hezbollah and Israeli forces from specific areas, with Lebanese troops taking control of the border region. However, challenges persist, particularly for families seeking to bury their loved ones in war-torn areas.
The Lebanese government is facing immense pressure to rebuild the country and address the urgent needs of its citizens. As the nation strives to recover, the fragile ceasefire remains at risk, and the potential for further escalation looms large.