Israel warns Lebanese civilians against returning to southern villages despite cease-fire

By Abderaouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) - Despite a cease-fire agreement, the Israeli army on Friday renewed its warning for Lebanese civilians not to return to their homes in certain southern border villages.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced on X that residents of villages such as Shebaa, Habbariyeh, Marjayoun, Arnoun, and others were prohibited from returning until further notice.

He stated that anyone entering these areas would be “putting themselves at risk.”

Although Israel had previously issued similar warnings for over 60 southern Lebanese villages, it has not explained the reasons behind these restrictions, even after the cease-fire.

The cease-fire came into force on Wednesday, ending over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah group.

Under the terms of the cease-fire, Israel will withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line de facto border in a phased manner while the Lebanese army deploys its forces in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Implementation of the agreement will be overseen by the US and France, but details on enforcement mechanisms remain unclear.

More than 3,960 people have been killed and over 16,500 injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon and over 1 million displaced since October last year, according to Lebanese health authorities.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi