Israeli strikes continue in Lebanon amid ceasefire with Hezbollah, says journalist

Jad Fayyad, writer at Annahar newspaper in Lebanon, confirmed that three strikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been reported–two on Wednesday and one today–targeting the villages of Markaba and Marjayoun.

“Israel struck three times, wounded two people in the south and even captured four fighters of Hezbollah after the ceasefire,” he told Astro AWANI.

“So, Israel is not totally committing to the agreement.”

Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged attacks across the border for over a year since October 8th, when the former began an offensive to deter Israel from its war on Gaza that has claimed the lives of at least 44,250 people.

The 60-day ceasfire deal, announced by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, seeks to end Hezbollah’s armed presence in southern Lebanon while requiring Israeli forces to withdraw from the area over the same period.

A total of 10,000 Lebanese army troops are expected to be deployed to the south as part of the agreement.

The basis of the deal has also been reported to be similar to the UN Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the last war in 2006.

In the hours after the announcement, Jad noted that many displaced civilians have begun making their way home to the southern suburbs, although many found their houses either partially or entirely damaged.

Some are still awaiting clearance to return, as Israeli troops remain stationed in some border regions, warning people not to go back until they have fully withdrawn.

“They are happy because the war has ended and they are able to go back to their homeland, but they are feeling sad and disappointed because of the destruction.

“Many people lost their houses and relatives in this war, so they are facing mixed feelings,” said Jad.

Despite the devastation, civilians remain hopeful that the ceasefire will hold.

All eyes are now on whether the Lebanese cabinet would insist on dismantling Hezbollah’s facilities and bases in the south, and if the group would comply. Failure to do so could see the situation worsening.

“We might see clashes. Israeli troops might go back to firing and bombing Hezbollah’s bases in the south,” Jad warned.