The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes on a Hezbollah rocket storage facility in southern Lebanon on Thursday, just two days into a ceasefire aimed at ending over a year of conflict. The IDF also fired warning shots and carried out strikes after identifying Hezbollah activity that allegedly violated the terms of the agreement.
The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. and France, requires Israeli troops to gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon over 60 days, with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) replacing them. The truce also bans Hezbollah operations south of the Litani River. Despite this, the IDF reported several violations, including unauthorized vehicle movements and the presence of armed individuals near restricted border areas.
Israeli officials have warned they will act swiftly against any further violations.Â
BREAKING 🚨🚨
CEASEFIRE BROKEN?
The Iron dome just intercepted a projectile that was launched from Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/79ten3zhYX
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 28, 2024
While Lebanese troops have begun moving south, the IDF remains stationed in areas to monitor compliance. Both the IDF and Lebanese authorities have warned civilians not to return to villages near the border until the withdrawal is complete. However, thousands of displaced residents have already begun returning to their homes.
Residents of Southern Lebanon are returning home after a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was agreed upon, ending nearly 14 months of conflict. Thousands displaced by the war are cautiously returning, hopeful the fragile truce will hold. #Lebanon #Ceasefire #MiddleEast pic.twitter.com/gcHYEI8FPa
— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) November 28, 2024
The ceasefire follows 14 months of conflict that began in October 2023, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in support of Hamas. The violence displaced tens of thousands and caused heavy casualties. Israeli forces struck over 12,500 Hezbollah targets during the conflict, while Hezbollah suffered significant losses, including thousands of operatives.
