South Lebanon in turmoil, 22 killed, calls for restraint

The last day of the first phase of the cease-fire in South Lebanon unfolded Sunday under high tension. At least three people were killed by Israeli gunfire, and several others were injured, including two Lebanese soldiers in two separate incidents. Facing this situation, the Lebanese leadership broke its silence to call for restraint, criticize the Israeli army, or praise the courage of the residents.

On one side, the Israeli army decided to extend its occupation of the territories captured during its war against Hezbollah from September until Nov. 27, 2024. On the other side, the residents of at least part of the 60 Lebanese localities to which Israel still prohibits access took to the road early in the morning to forcibly return to their villages, while the Lebanese army attempts to calm tensions and limit damage.

President Joseph Aoun announced on X that he shares with "the people of South Lebanon the joy of victory" and called for "restraint" and "trust in the armed forces." He also wrote that "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon are non-negotiable," ensuring that he is following this issue "at the highest level to guarantee your rights and dignity."

The Israeli army was still in South Lebanon on Sunday, despite the expiration of the 60-day period at the end of which it was supposed to have left the territory, according to the truce agreement with Hezbollah. Under this agreement, only the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers can be deployed on the ground. The Israeli soldiers evacuated the entire coastal region of South Lebanon, but still occupy sectors further east.

The designated Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, on Sunday morning, called the president of the Republic to stay informed about the situation in the south, emphasizing that he fully trusts the role of the Lebanese armed forces, primarily the army, in protecting Lebanon's sovereignty and ensuring the safe return of citizens to their villages, reported the National Information Agency (NNA).

Salam reminded that it is "a priority to guarantee the necessary conditions for the reconstruction of villages and homes in the South, the Bekaa and Beirut," reaffirming that "reconstruction is not just a promise, but a commitment on [his] part."

'Profound respect'

In a statement released after the head of state's declaration, Parliament's President Nabih Berri expressed his "profound respect and admiration for the residents of the border villages," who began returning to their localities. He congratulated residents near the border area who returned to their lands: "Your actions today define you as a symbol of patriotism, identity, and belonging to Lebanon."

The President of the Chamber also condemned "the live gunfire by occupation soldiers on unarmed civilians in Mais al-Jabal, Houla, Kfar Kila, Ainata, Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras (Bint Jbeil district), Blida, and Khiam (Marjayoun district)." He stated that this action "clearly proves that Israel persists in violating Lebanon's sovereignty and breaching the cease-fire conditions."

Berri concluded by calling "on the international community and states sponsoring the cease-fire agreement to take immediate and urgent measures to force Israel to withdraw immediately from the territories it still occupies in South Lebanon."

'Serious consequences'

The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati also published a statement: "On this day when the people of the wounded South expressed their attachment to their land and identity despite the threats from the Israeli enemy, we pay tribute to our fellow citizens who are firmly attached to their land in the South or those who were forced by aggression to be displaced, especially those who decided to return today and bravely faced the fire of aggression."

"Your patriotism has become a model and a testament of blood that no right is lost without demand," he added. He also called "on the countries that sponsored the cease-fire agreement to assume their responsibilities by deterring aggression and forcing the Israeli enemy to withdraw from the territories it occupies."

"This is what we have communicated to those directly concerned, warning them that any retreat from the commitment to the cease-fire and the implementation of Resolution 1701 will have serious consequences," emphasized Mikati. This resolution was adopted in 2006 to end a war between Hezbollah and Israel. It has not been applied over these years.

Tributes to the residents

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri wrote on his X account: "I bow to the martyrs and the wounded of our unarmed civilians in the south and their will in the face of an occupation violating the cease-fire agreement. I salute our national army, which I hope will follow the guidelines for protecting our people. The international community is immediately called upon to assume its responsibility in the face of an occupation that violates its own law and an agreement guaranteed and sponsored by major countries, to which Lebanon is fully committed."

Deputy Wael Abou Faour, a member of the Joumblatt bloc, saluted the residents of South Lebanon who, through their courage, resist the occupation and insist on their right to return to their homes and villages, according to a statement relayed by our correspondent Sarah Abdallah. He also praised the Lebanese Army, which remains loyal to its people and its homeland, considering that the countries that guaranteed the agreement are responsible for its implementation and all crimes committed by the occupation.

"The Israeli is an occupier who must leave. The agreement is clear and must be implemented by a complete withdrawal. The people's reaction is to cling to the land and sacrifice for it, which is the highest form of righteousness," said Deputy Marc Daou on X. "The government and Berri are obliged to respect the agreement they concluded. The army must protect the citizens and reclaim the land within the framework of international legitimacy. Citizens should comply with Lebanese Army instructions to ensure their safety," he continued, as many southern residents attempted to enter their localities.

The mufti of the Republic Abdellatif Deriane considered that Israel's failure to withdraw from South Lebanon constitutes a violation of Resolution 1701, and the aggression against returnees is a "crime with serious consequences," according to comments reported by local media.

The mufti of Baalbeck-Hermel, Sheikh Bakr al-Rifai, saluted in a statement the residents of the South who "through their courage and perseverance, reflect the highest meanings of firmness and strength of mind, and write the most beautiful stories of sacrifice to regain their rights. Our Lebanese Army proves its loyalty to its country and its people, and remains dedicated to the security and stability of Lebanon," declared the religious leader.

Shiite Sheikh Ali Fadlallah emphasized that "the return of the people to their cities and villages, with pride and dignity, despite the threats from the enemy and the gunfire aimed at them in the frontline villages in the south, represents the highest form of patriotism and attachment to the land. It embodies a faithful commitment, testifying to the courage, sincerity, and loyalty of our people to their land and their resistance."