An Israeli drone strike on Khiam, Lebanon, occurred after Israeli troops withdrew from the area, resulting in one death and two injuries. The Lebanese Armed Forces began preliminary deployment to clear rubble and prepare for civilian entry. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israeli violations continue, prompting Hezbollah responses and deepening the conflict’s complexity in the region.
On December 12, following the Israeli military’s withdrawal from Khiam, southern Lebanon, an Israeli drone strike resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. The Lebanese Armed Forces had recently commenced operations to clear debris in preparation for civilian access to the area. Reports from Lebanon’s National News Agency indicated the drone strike occurred in a public square, as the Lebanese Army advised citizens to refrain from entering the town until further notice from the authorities.
This drone attack followed the Israeli forces’ complete evacuation from Khiam a day prior, though Israeli troops remain stationed in various regions of southern Lebanon. They are expected to conduct a full withdrawal within 60 days of the ceasefire enacted on November 27, which was facilitated by UN Resolution 1701 requiring the dismantling of Hezbollah’s infrastructure south of the Litani River. The resolution also prohibits the entry of arms into Lebanon.
The situation is monitored through a tripartite mechanism comprising the United States, France, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Despite this oversight, Israel has faced no accountability for multiple airstrikes against Lebanon since the ceasefire declaration. Hezbollah has previously responded to these violations with a limited missile strike, prompting further Israeli retaliatory attacks, which have resulted in civilian casualties.
Significantly, Israeli airstrikes continue to cause fatalities, with reports of three deaths in an attack on the town of Marjayoun and additional casualties in Beit Lif. Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, acknowledged the numerous Israeli violations, stating, “the resistance group is giving an opportunity for the ceasefire agreement to succeed.” This reflects ongoing tensions and the precarious nature of the ceasefire agreement in the region.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led to cyclical violence that affects the stability of southern Lebanon. Following a recent ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces are in the process of withdrawing, while Lebanese troops are tasked with dismantling any Hezbollah military infrastructure. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with regular breaches by Israeli forces, prompting Hezbollah to respond defensively. The international community, through mechanisms like UNIFIL, seeks to monitor and ensure compliance with the ceasefire terms, but challenges remain in enforcing accountability for violations.
The recent Israeli drone strike on Khiam underscores the fragile state of peace in southern Lebanon following the withdrawal of Israeli troops. With ongoing tensions and periodic violence, the ceasefire agreement still faces significant hurdles. The Lebanese Armed Forces aim to assert control over the region while international monitoring strives to prevent further escalations. As reported incidents indicate, both sides remain on high alert, and the risk of renewed conflict persists.
Original Source: thecradle.co
