Monday Briefing: Fragile Israeli Cease-Fires
Israeli forces killed at least 22 people yesterday in southern Lebanon, Lebanese officials said, while in Gaza, Israel prevented Palestinians from moving back north. Israel said that Hamas had violated the terms of their truce. Follow our coverage.
Israeli forces opened fire on Sunday as thousands of Lebanese displaced by the war poured onto roads leading to their homes. The military said in a statement that a vehicle with flags of the militant group Hezbollah had approached their troops, prompting them to “remove the threat.”
The Israeli military also said troops had identified dozens of rioters and fired warning shots to disperse them. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said that more than 120 people were injured.
More people are expected to try to return to their homes today, prompting fears of further violence. Israel has remained in the country past a 60-day deadline for both Israel and Hezbollah to withdraw amid Israeli concerns that Hezbollah remained active there.
Despite the fragility of the truces, the warring sides appeared to want the cease-fires to hold.
Lebanon cease-fire: The agreement, which was signed in November, stipulated that Israel and Hezbollah withdraw from southern Lebanon, and that the Lebanese Army and U.N. peacekeepers be deployed in force to secure the area.
Gaza: Israel was preventing Palestinians from returning to their homes, saying that Hamas had violated the cease-fire. Under its terms, Arbel Yehud, the last female civilian hostage that Israel believes is most likely alive, should have been released. But Yehud may be in the custody of another group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which said she would be released before next Saturday.