Israel stated on Thursday (November 28) that someone was suspected of violating the ceasefire agreement reached with Hezbollah, prompting the Israeli army to open fire. Earlier, Lebanese security sources reported that Israeli tanks attacked six areas in southern Lebanon. Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.
After 14 months of fighting, mediated by the United States and France, Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah finally reached an agreement. They declared a ceasefire on Wednesday to allow people from both countries to start returning to their homes in the border areas.
According to Reuters, the Israeli military said that suspected individuals (some of whom were in vehicles) arrived in several areas in southern Lebanon, violating the ceasefire agreement, leading to Israeli fire.
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah accused Israel a few hours ago of launching attacks on people returning to villages in southern Lebanon. Following the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli military has urged residents in the border zone not to return temporarily for their own safety.
Lebanese official media and security sources stated that on Thursday morning, Israeli tanks fired on six border areas including Markaba. One security source mentioned that two people were injured in Markaba.
Neither the Iran-backed Hezbollah nor Israel immediately commented on the tank shells hitting southern Lebanon.
The ceasefire agreement is considered a rare diplomatic achievement in the Middle East, ending the most serious confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah in years. However, Israel is still engaged in combat with another major enemy – the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
According to the ceasefire terms, the Israeli military needs a maximum of 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, during which both sides are prohibited from launching attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military not to allow residents to return to the villages near the border.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri participated in the ceasefire negotiations. As the country’s top negotiator, he stated on Wednesday that residents can return to their homes.
Hezbollah declared that its fighters are “fully equipped” and ready to respond to Israeli attacks.
Hezbollah fought against Israel to support its ally Hamas, also supported by Iran. With casualties and the deaths of its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders in battles with Israel, Hezbollah’s strength has been weakened.