🚧 Israel Blocks Lebanese Return to Border Villages 🚧
Thousands of displaced Lebanese citizens are being told to hold off on returning home as tensions escalate near the Israel-Lebanon border. The Israeli army has issued orders preventing residents from accessing villages close to the border \"until further notice.\" 😟
This move comes just a day after Israel announced that its forces would remain in southern Lebanon beyond a Sunday deadline outlined in a ceasefire agreement brokered last year by France and the United States. The deal had given both sides 60 days to withdraw their forces and for the Lebanese army, alongside UN peacekeepers, to secure the area.
But Israel claims the terms haven't been fully enforced by Lebanon, leaving many wondering when peace will truly be restored. 🕊️
Lebanese Leaders Call for Action
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun isn't staying silent. 📞 In a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Aoun accused Israel of \"procrastinating\" on their withdrawal and continuing violations like demolishing border villages and extensive land bulldozing. He warns these actions are making it impossible for displaced residents to return home. 🏚️
UN Peacekeepers Witness New Roadblocks
Members of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, report that Israeli tanks and bulldozers have unexpectedly set up several roadblocks. It appears they're trying to prevent Lebanese people from returning to their villages. UNIFIL is keeping a close eye on the situation, but tensions are definitely heating up. 🔥
\"Stay Away,\" Says Israeli Military
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Israeli military shared a map highlighting an area in the south containing dozens of villages. They warned residents not to return: \"Anyone who moves south of this line puts themselves in danger.\" ⚠️
The restricted zone stretches from Shebaa in the east, less than two kilometers from the border, to Mansouri in the west, about 10 kilometers away. That's a huge area affecting many families eager to go back home. 🏠
What's Next?
With both sides standing firm, it's uncertain when displaced Lebanese can safely return. Here's hoping for a peaceful resolution soon. ✌️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
