Ongoing Violations Amid Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which took effect on November 27, 2024, has been marred by multiple violations from the Israeli military. On the second day of the truce, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes targeting what they claimed was a Hezbollah missile storage facility in southern Lebanon. This marked the first significant military action since the ceasefire began, raising concerns about the sustainability of the agreement.
In a separate incident, an Israeli drone strike in the border town of Markaba injured three individuals. The Israeli military justified its actions by stating it was responding to what they perceived as a violation of the ceasefire, as they monitored the movement of suspected individuals in vehicles across southern Lebanon. Additionally, reports indicated that Israeli artillery shelled multiple towns, including Wazzani and Kfar Shuba, further escalating tensions despite the ceasefire.
The Israeli Army Radio reported that the strike on the vehicle in Markaba was intended to deter movement in a restricted area rather than to cause casualties. However, local sources confirmed injuries from the shelling, highlighting the precarious situation on the ground.
Humanitarian Impact and Casualties
The ongoing conflict has had devastating humanitarian consequences. Since the onset of hostilities on October 8, 2023, approximately 1.4 million people have been displaced across Lebanon due to Israeli military actions. The toll of the conflict has been severe, with reports indicating 3,823 deaths and over 15,859 injuries in Lebanon, including many women and children. In contrast, Israel has reported 124 fatalities, including 79 soldiers, and significant destruction of property, with thousands of buildings and vehicles damaged due to Hezbollah's retaliatory fire.
As the ceasefire continues to be tested, the Israeli military has issued warnings to residents in southern Lebanon, advising them to stay away from ten specific villages deemed dangerous. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for further escalation looms as both sides navigate the fragile truce.
