Israeli Airstrike in Bekaa Valley Marks Escalation Post-Ceasefire
On December 25, 2024, Israeli warplanes conducted an airstrike in the Bekaa Valley of eastern Lebanon, marking the first military action in the region since a ceasefire agreement was established at the end of November. The airstrike targeted a house in the town of Taraya, located near the Litani River, although no injuries were reported from the attack. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and violations of the ceasefire, which was intended to stabilize the region following months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese National News Agency reported that this airstrike is part of a broader pattern of Israeli military actions, with statistics from the Lebanese Ministry of Health indicating that Israel has committed 296 violations since the ceasefire began, resulting in 32 fatalities and 38 injuries. Israeli officials assert that these operations are necessary to counter perceived threats from Hezbollah, suggesting a continued state of conflict despite the ceasefire.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has reiterated calls for the establishment of a ceasefire monitoring committee, which would include representatives from Lebanon, Israel, the United States, France, and UNIFIL. This committee aims to hold Israel accountable for its actions and ensure compliance with the ceasefire terms, which include Israel's gradual withdrawal to the south of the Blue Line and the deployment of the Lebanese army as the sole armed force in the southern region.
