On Sunday, Israeli forces killed 22 people in southern Lebanon, including a soldier, as residents attempted to return to their homes under a ceasefire agreement requiring Israel’s withdrawal. Health officials reported that unarmed civilians were hit by gunfire and drone attacks, leading to widespread devastation.
The return coincided with the expiration of the 60-day deadline for Israel’s withdrawal from areas it had occupied. Although the ceasefire officially ended at 4 a.m., violence continued for hours, with civilians in Borj El-Mlouk and Maroun Al-Ras facing attacks despite Lebanese officials’ appeals to the ceasefire committee.
Residents demanded Israel’s immediate removal, vowing to reclaim their land. President Joseph Aoun called the day a victory for Lebanon’s sovereignty and urged citizens to remain calm and rely on the Lebanese army for protection. He emphasized that Lebanon’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
Crowds gathered near border villages still occupied by Israeli forces, preparing to return despite warnings from the Lebanese army about unexploded ordnance and roadblocks. Many abandoned vehicles and walked to villages like Houla, Maroun Al-Ras, and Mays Al-Jabal, determined to reclaim their homes. Protesters demanded Israel’s withdrawal, with one woman declaring her right to return, even if only to rubble.
Israeli forces used live ammunition and grenades against civilians entering contested areas, causing casualties and detaining several people, particularly in Houla. Among the injured were Lebanese soldiers, including First Adjutant Mohammed Youssef Zahour and Rawia Al-Hujja, as well as journalist Hussein Khalil. The Health Ministry reported 124 injuries, including nine children, and confirmed that six women were among the dead.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam expressed confidence in the Lebanese army’s ability to protect citizens and ensure their safe return. Parliament Speaker Nabi Berri called for international action to force Israel’s withdrawal, denouncing its continued occupation and violence against civilians.
The Lebanese Army Command stated that its units escorted civilians into border villages, despite Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and the ceasefire. In response, military reinforcements and UNIFIL tanks were deployed to create a buffer between civilians and Israeli forces in areas like Kfar Kila.
UN officials, including Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL leader Gen. Aroldo Lazaro, acknowledged that the ceasefire deadlines had not been met. They described the day as tragic and urged caution, noting ongoing violations of UN Resolution 1701 and the need for safer conditions for displaced residents.
