Lebanon has become accessible to residents of six villages that were previously blocked due to the ongoing conflict with Israel. Residents have been searching for bodies of relatives killed during the war, while Israeli troops withdrew from most of the territory.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said his country would complete its withdrawal by February 18 but will temporarily remain in five locations needed for security. However, Hezbollah has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and occupying Lebanese land.
The conflict began when Hezbollah opened fire on October 8, 2022, in support of Hamas. The war displaced tens of thousands of Israelis and over a million people in Lebanon. The U.S.-brokered ceasefire required Israel to withdraw and barred Hezbollah from having any military presence in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed during the conflict, and the group is now weakened. The Lebanese army has deployed into the border region as part of the deal.
The Israeli Kibbutz Misgav Am near the border with Lebanon saw some residents visit and plant trees on Tuesday. However, many residents are still uncertain about their safety due to the ongoing situation.
Rescue workers have found at least two people alive in rubble, and 23 bodies have been recovered from under debris. The Lebanese Civil Defense said hundreds of residents visited more than a half-dozen villages that became accessible.
Hezbollah’s accusation against Israel has sparked tensions between the two sides. The United Nations reported that “tangible progress” had been made since the ceasefire came into force in late November, noting that Israel had withdrawn from population centers and the Lebanese army deployed in challenging conditions.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanon-says-it-will-consider-continuing-israeli-presence-occupation-2025-02-18