Israeli army warns civilians against return to 62 Lebanese villages

By Iyad Nabolsi

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Israeli army on Sunday evening warned displaced civilians against returning to their homes in 62 villages in southern Lebanon despite a cease-fire agreement.

Military spokesman Avichay Adraee posted the warning on his X account with an attached map showing the targeted villages.

"A new reminder for the residents of southern Lebanon... At this stage, it is prohibited for you to return to your homes south of this line until further notice. Anyone crossing south of this line puts themselves at risk,” Adraee said.

Lebanon and Israel reached a cease-fire deal on Nov. 27 to end over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah group.

Lebanese authorities have reported, however, more than 455 Israeli violations of the cease-fire, including the death of 32 people and injury of 39 others.

Under the cease-fire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line – a de facto border – in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel’s onslaught against Lebanon began on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,068 people have been killed, including women, children, and health workers, while 16,668 others have been injured.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala