Israel carries out fresh strikes in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire
Jerusalem, April 19
The Israeli army has confirmed carrying out fresh strikes on what it described as threats south of the new "yellow line" in Lebanon, Al Jazeera reported.
Beirut-based correspondent reported that, along with ongoing artillery shelling and machinegun fire on several villages, Israel launched two air strikes on Sunday, as per a report by Al Jazeera.
One of the strikes targeted a group of Hezbollah fighters who, according to Israel, were approaching the yellow line but had not crossed it. "So that actually indicates that they were to the north of it and not inside it," she noted, as per Al Jazeera.
The second strike was aimed at an individual approaching a tunnel entrance south of the yellow line, according to Al Jazeera.
Israel said it "carried out a strike on him and destroyed that tunnel entrance," the correspondent added, noting that the Israeli military spokesperson maintained the action did not violate the ceasefire, Al Jazeera reported.
Explaining the framework of the agreement, the correspondent said, "If you read carefully, the text of it, which was released by the US State Department shortly after it was announced, allows Israel to act in what it defines as self-defence, in addition to allowing it to continue to occupy 55 Lebanese villages," as per a report by Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem criticised the arrangement, calling it an insult to Lebanon and warning that the group would not tolerate continued Israeli attacks while diplomatic efforts are ongoing, as reported by Al Jazeera.
According to the Beirut correspondent, conditions on the ground remain largely unchanged. "There are still many, many people in south Lebanon on the roads heading back to their villages," she said, adding that roads are also crowded with those returning to displacement shelters due to fears that the ceasefire may not hold, as per Al Jazeera.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The situation sounds incredibly volatile. My heart goes out to the ordinary Lebanese people caught in the middle, forced to flee their homes again. No one should have to live in such fear and uncertainty. The international community needs to ensure the ceasefire holds for real.
Reading the fine print of the agreement is key. If it allows Israel to occupy 55 villages and act in "self-defence" as it defines it, then the ceasefire seems one-sided from the start. Hezbollah's criticism, while expected, highlights a flawed deal. Complex geopolitics at play.
From an Indian perspective, we understand the pain of border tensions all too well. Pre-emptive strikes based on perceived threats can spiral out of control quickly. Dialogue and restraint are the only way forward for lasting peace. Hoping for calm.
The report mentions tunnels. This is a serious security threat that any nation would address. However, doing so under the banner of a ceasefire undermines trust. The agreement needs clearer, mutually agreed-upon rules of engagement to have any chance of success.
Respectfully, I think the article relies heavily on Al Jazeera and the Beirut correspondent. It would be good to have the Israeli military's detailed statement or perspective included more fully for balance. The situation is tragic for civilians on both sides.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.