**Despite the extension, escalating conflicts have left dozens dead and many displaced in Lebanon.**
**Ceasefire Extended in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Tensions with Israel**
**Ceasefire Extended in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Tensions with Israel**
**US, Lebanon extend ceasefire deadline with Israel to February 18 after violence erupts.**
The ongoing ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel has been extended until mid-February, following an escalation of violence as the initial deadline passed without full compliance. Initially set to conclude on Sunday, the ceasefire is now officially extended to February 18, 2024, with US and Lebanese officials facilitating the negotiations.
The Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed the extension after discussions with US representatives, amid accusations from Israel that the Lebanese government has not executed the terms of the ceasefire, including the disbandment of Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry reported that, on the same day negotiations were taking place, Israeli forces killed 22 individuals and injured another 124 as they attempted to return to their homes.
The ceasefire, originally brokered by the US and France and announced in late November, sought to halt over a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, empowering the latter with 60 days to withdrawal its armed forces from southern regions and requiring Israel to retract its military presence. However, with the deadline approaching, Israel declared it would retain troops in Lebanon, citing insufficient enforcement of the agreement by Beirut.
Since the initiation of this ceasefire, thousands of Lebanese have returned to their homes despite the volatile atmosphere, which saw a renewed outbreak of hostilities last week. The situation remains fraught, with continuous reports of violence; Israeli troops have engaged in what they describe as “warning shots” while capturing individuals they claim threaten security.
This multifaceted conflict escalated significantly following Hezbollah’s actions following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel, which saw Lebanon caught in the crossfire of retaliatory strikes that have tragically led to the deaths of thousands and the displacement of around 1.2 million residents. Israel's objectives have highlighted a desire to stabilize border areas and facilitate the safe return of displaced populations impacted by aggressive military actions, amidst ongoing concerns regarding regional security and the lingering presence of Hezbollah operatives.
The Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed the extension after discussions with US representatives, amid accusations from Israel that the Lebanese government has not executed the terms of the ceasefire, including the disbandment of Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry reported that, on the same day negotiations were taking place, Israeli forces killed 22 individuals and injured another 124 as they attempted to return to their homes.
The ceasefire, originally brokered by the US and France and announced in late November, sought to halt over a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, empowering the latter with 60 days to withdrawal its armed forces from southern regions and requiring Israel to retract its military presence. However, with the deadline approaching, Israel declared it would retain troops in Lebanon, citing insufficient enforcement of the agreement by Beirut.
Since the initiation of this ceasefire, thousands of Lebanese have returned to their homes despite the volatile atmosphere, which saw a renewed outbreak of hostilities last week. The situation remains fraught, with continuous reports of violence; Israeli troops have engaged in what they describe as “warning shots” while capturing individuals they claim threaten security.
This multifaceted conflict escalated significantly following Hezbollah’s actions following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel, which saw Lebanon caught in the crossfire of retaliatory strikes that have tragically led to the deaths of thousands and the displacement of around 1.2 million residents. Israel's objectives have highlighted a desire to stabilize border areas and facilitate the safe return of displaced populations impacted by aggressive military actions, amidst ongoing concerns regarding regional security and the lingering presence of Hezbollah operatives.
