Lebanon Braces for Unrest as Israeli Forces Remain After Withdrawal Deadline
At least 15 people have been reported killed in Lebanon in the past 48 hours, as tensions escalate over the presence of Israeli forces in the country beyond the agreed-upon withdrawal deadline. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for international intervention to resolve the crisis.
According to reports, Israeli troops remained in southern Lebanon, despite the expiration of the withdrawal deadline set by the United Nations Security Council. The deadline, which was reached on June 16, marked the end of Israel’s 22-year occupation of the region.
The Israeli military has maintained that it will continue to operate in the area to combat Hezbollah militants, who have been accused of launching attacks against Israeli troops and civilians. However, Lebanese officials have condemned the Israeli presence as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability.
The violence has been concentrated in the southern city of Marjayoun, where Israeli forces have been engaged in clashes with Hezbollah fighters. At least 15 people have been killed and dozens more injured in the fighting, according to Lebanese officials.
The international community has called for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The United Nations has urged both sides to respect the withdrawal deadline and to work towards a peaceful resolution.
The European Union has also issued a statement condemning the Israeli presence and calling for an immediate withdrawal. "The EU reiterates its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and urges Israel to respect the withdrawal deadline," said a spokesperson for the EU.
The United States has also weighed in on the crisis, with a State Department spokesperson calling for "restraint and calm" on all sides. "We urge all parties to respect the withdrawal deadline and to work towards a peaceful resolution," said the spokesperson.
The crisis has also sparked widespread protests across Lebanon, with thousands of people taking to the streets to demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The protests have been largely peaceful, but have been marked by occasional clashes between protesters and security forces.
The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, with fears that the violence could escalate further if a peaceful resolution is not reached. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and is working to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
In the meantime, the people of Lebanon are bracing for the worst, as the country struggles to come to terms with the ongoing violence and uncertainty.