Lebanese citizens make renewed push to return to southern border villages

People from South Lebanon escorted by the Lebanese army attempted to return to their villages on Monday, according to official reports and AFP correspondents, one day after Israeli fire killed 24 people in the region on Sunday.

Reports said at least five people were wounded by Israeli fire on Monday in the areas of Houla and Bani Hayyan. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced that Lebanon agreed to extend a ceasefire agreement between the militant Hezbollah organization and Israel until February 18. The extension came after the Israeli military failed to meet the deadline for withdrawal set for Sunday.

Dozens of vehicles loaded with families were seen heading toward border towns Monday, a day after earlier attempts by residents to return to their homes in south Lebanon proved unsuccessful. In the village of Burj al-Moulouk, dozens of men, women, and children gathered behind a dirt barrier, some waving Hezbollah flags, as they hoped to reach the border town of Kfar Kila, where Israeli forces remain stationed.

Sweets, water and pictures of Hezbollah’s former leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, killed in an Israeli strike last month, were handed out by the party’s backers to passers-by in Bint Jbeil, a major access point for border villages. Others passed out stickers emblazoned with phrases extolling what they described as a “victory from God.” Women proudly carried around pictures of fallen Hezbollah fighters.

The National News Agency said Lebanese army reinforcements reached the outskirts of the border town of Mays al-Jabal, where residents had started to congregate at the entrance to the town, ready to venture in alongside the military. It also said Israeli forces opened fire in the direction of Lebanese army troops near the town, without any casualties. In Houla, residents went inside after the army deployed in several neighbourhoods.

The truce, which came into effect on 27 November, called for the Lebanese army to take up positions in the south alongside UN peacekeepers as the Israeli army withdrew completely within a 60-day period. That deadline expired on Sunday without the task being completed, with both sides accusing each other of holding up the implementation of the agreement. The ceasefire ended more than a year of hostilities, including two months of heavy fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee reiterated the calls on residents of South Lebanon to postpone their return. The Lebanese Army meanwhile said it would continue accompanying residents heading back and “protecting” them against the anticipated Israeli attacks.

Lebanon’s health ministry said on Sunday Israeli forces opened fire on civilians trying to return to their villages, killing 24, including one soldier. The Israeli military countered that its troops fired warning shots to thwart what it saw as threats when some people appeared to be heading towards their positions.