Israel Shells Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Violations
Beirut: Israeli artillery reportedly continued to target the towns of Khiam and Dibbine, with machine gun fire reported during sweeping operations in the area. Israeli artillery continued to target the towns of Khiam and Dibbine, with reports of machine gun fire during sweeping operations in the area. In the Western Bekaa Valley, reconnaissance aircraft activity was also observed in the Rashaya region and the western slopes of Jabal al-Sheikh. According to CNN, amid the developments, the Israeli army issued a warning to those living in southern Lebanon and called on them not to go south of the Litani River.
According to CNN, military spokesman Avichay Adraee said that Israeli troops continue to maintain their positions in the region. “For your own safety and the safety of your family members – until further notice – you are requested not to travel south of the Litani River,” Adraee said, according to CNN. He added that the deployment remained in place “in the face of Hezbollah’s ongoing terrorist activities.”
“Meanwhile, Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire agreement and expressed the hope that it could lead to long-term peace in the region.” I welcome the declaration of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and appreciate the role of the United States in facilitating it. I hope that this will pave the way for negotiations towards a long-term solution to the conflict and contribute to ongoing efforts towards a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region. “I call on everyone to fully respect the ceasefire and comply with international law at all times,” he wrote.
Regional response has also been largely supportive. Jordan welcomed the ceasefire and praised the role of the Lebanese leadership, including President Joseph Aoun, in the negotiations, Al Jazeera reported. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs reiterated its “firm support” for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stressed the need for weapons to remain under state control, Al Jazeera reported.
According to Al Jazeera, the United Arab Emirates also supported the agreement and emphasized the importance of diplomacy in reducing tensions. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it hoped the ceasefire would be “a positive step towards creating a supportive environment for regional stability” and stressed the need to maintain international coordination to prevent further escalation, according to Al Jazeera. The developments underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire, even as global and regional stakeholders press for sustainable peace efforts in West Asia. (MOMENT)
