Israeli forces kill 3 people in south Lebanon as residents try to return

26/1/2025 17:17

Israeli forces killed three people and wounded 31 others trying to return to homes in south Lebanon where Israeli troops remained on the ground after a deadline for their withdrawal passed on Sunday, Lebanon's health ministry said.



Israel has said it intended to keep troops in the south beyond the Sunday deadline stipulated in the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that halted last year's war with Hezbollah, and on Saturday ordered residents not to return until further notice.



The deal stipulated that Israeli forces should withdraw from the south as the Iran-backed Hezbollah's weapons and fighters were removed from the area and the Lebanese army deployed, within a 60-day period which ended on Sunday morning.



Israel has, however, said the terms have not been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, while Lebanon's U.S.-backed military on Saturday accused Israel of procrastinating in its withdrawal.



Hezbollah's al-Manar television, broadcasting from several locations in the south, showed footage of residents moving towards villages in defiance of Israeli orders, some holding the group's flag and images of Hezbollah fighters killed in the war.